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Gold (XAU/USD) holds firm on Tuesday after coming under brief pressure following a mixed batch of US economic data and a mild rebound in the US Dollar (USD). At the time of writing, XAU/USD trades around $4,478, holding just below the fresh all-time high near $4,497 set earlier in the day.

Gold continues to draw support from escalating geopolitical tensions, which are sustaining safe-haven demand. At the same time, sustained expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) could lower interest rates further into 2026 provide an additional tailwind to Bullion, helping prices remain underpinned near record levels.

The latest leg higher also reflects year-end repositioning as markets head into the long holiday period. While some profit-taking at elevated levels could trigger short-term consolidation, the broader trend remains constructive, with Gold on course for its strongest annual performance since 1979, up nearly 70% year to date.

Market movers: Fed outlook, geopolitics shape market sentiment
 

• The US Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the economy expanded at a strong 4.3% annualised pace in Q3, above the 3.3% market expectation and the prior 3.8% estimate, while inflation measures embedded in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report remained firm, with the GDP Price Index rising 3.7%, Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) increasing 2.9%, and PCE Prices climbing 2.8%.
• Durable Goods Orders fell 2.2% in October, reversing the previous 0.7% increase. Orders excluding defense declined 1.5%, while Durable Goods Orders excluding transportation rose 0.2%. Industrial Production slipped 0.1% MoM in October.
• The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against a basket of six major currencies, trades around 98.10, recovering modestly after dipping to an intraday low near 97.85.
• Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela remain high after President Donald Trump imposed a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Speaking on Monday, Trump said the US is “actually pursuing” a tanker that had departed from Venezuela and was under sanctions. US authorities have already seized two Venezuelan-linked oil tankers this month, including one over the weekend.
• Beyond Geopolitics, markets are currently pricing in two rate cuts in 2026, though policymakers remain divided after delivering a cumulative 75 basis points of easing this year. Fed Governor Stephen Miran said on Monday that recent economic data should “push people in a dovish direction,” warning that failing to ease policy could raise recession risks.
• In contrast, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack told The Wall Street Journal on Sunday that she sees no need for rate cuts in the coming months, citing persistent inflation risks and signalling that rates could remain in the 3.50%-3.75% range into the spring.
• Attention is also focused on a potential leadership change at the Fed, as Chair Jerome Powell’s term is set to end in May 2026. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly signalled his preference for a Fed Chair who would favour lower interest rates. A CNBC report published on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter, said Trump could announce his decision as early as the first week of January. So far, Trump has interviewed Fed Governor Christopher Waller, while other leading contenders include US National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett and former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh.

Technical analysis: Strong bullish trend holds despite overbought RSI
 

On the daily chart, XAU/USD is trading comfortably in uncharted territory after breaking above the October 20 peak near $4,381. The technical backdrop remains firmly bullish, with the 9-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) crossing above the 50-day SMA and both indicators sloping higher, signalling strong upward momentum.

Price holds above its key SMAs, with the 9-day SMA at $4,348.07 offering nearby dynamic support. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram expands positively, with the MACD line extending above the Signal line and both standing in positive territory. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) sits at 81 (overbought), which could cap near-term upside and prompt consolidation.

Short-term momentum remains supported by rising averages, while a pullback would likely find deeper support at the 50-day SMA at $4,161.48. The bullish alignment, with the short-term average above the longer one, keeps buyers in control. A sustained positive MACD profile above zero reinforces the upbeat tone, while a contracting histogram would hint at fading momentum. With RSI stretched, bulls may prefer to stabilize above moving-average support to secure the trend, and another daily close above the short-term average would keep the bias higher.

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