Gold Prices Edge Higher Amid Tariff Concerns, but Dollar Strength Limits Gains
Gold prices saw a slight increase on Wednesday, continuing the small gains from the previous session as demand for safe-haven assets remained supported by concerns over potential increases in U.S. trade tariffs. Spot gold rose 0.3% to $2,400.16 an ounce, while February gold futures climbed 0.7% to $2,665.41 an ounce by 23:38 ET (04:38 GMT).
Despite this, gold’s upside was limited by the strengthening U.S. dollar, which was boosted by expectations surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s trade policies, and by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which reduced the demand for safe-haven assets.
Trump’s threat of additional trade tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico upon taking office reignited concerns about a potential trade war, which raised worries about global economic growth and U.S. inflation. Such tariffs could also lead to higher interest rates over the long term, which would further support the U.S. dollar and weigh on gold prices.
In addition to the tariff concerns, safe-haven demand for gold was also tempered by U.S. President Joe Biden’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, reducing some of the geopolitical risk in the Middle East that had previously supported gold prices.
Other precious metals also saw marginal gains, with silver futures increasing 0.4% to $30.962 an ounce, and platinum futures rising slightly to $932.05 an ounce. Industrial metals showed some strength as well, with benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange rising 0.6% to $9,026.50 per ton, and February copper futures climbing 0.4% to $4.1463 per pound.
However, Bank of America analysts warned that Trump’s economic policies could ultimately limit the appetite for gold. With plans for tax cuts and expansionary policies aimed at supporting U.S. economic growth, Trump’s second-term policies are expected to drive higher inflation. This could lead to sustained high U.S. interest rates, which would boost the dollar and Treasury yields, while reducing demand for non-yielding assets like gold. In the wake of Trump’s election victory, precious metals, particularly gold, had already suffered significant losses in November.
Industrial metal prices were also pressured by concerns over more hawkish U.S. policies toward China, a major importer of copper and other base metals, which could dampen demand for those commodities.
Risk Warning: CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 76.87% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Disclaimer: This text constitutes marketing communication. It is not any form of investment advice or investment research or an offer for any transactions in financial instrument. Its content does not take into consideration individual circumstances of the readers, their experience or financial situation. The past performance is not a guarantee or prediction of future results.