Gold jumps over 2% on softer dollar after Democratic midterm wins
Gold prices rose over 2 per cent on Wednesday as the US dollar weakened after Democratic victories in midterm elections. Analysts cited a softer dollar and demand for protection against a potentially more confrontational Trump administration. Markets await non-farm payrolls data for Fed policy clues
Gold prices rose 2 per cent on Wednesday, supported by a weaker US dollar after Democrats secured key victories in midterm elections, while investors looked ahead to non-farm payrolls data later this week for clues on the Federal Reserve's policy path.
Spot gold climbed 2.2 per cent to US$4,016.01 (HK$31,324.88) per ounce by 0619 GMT, while US gold futures for December delivery rose 2.2 per cent to US$4,026.90.
"A weaker USD and a punchy decline in both nominal and real US Treasury yields are clearly providing support for gold," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone. Additionally, "the demand for protection against a potentially more unpredictable and confrontational Trump administration looks to be providing a compelling backdrop for gold buyers," Weston added.
Global stocks slumped, and the dollar softened on Wednesday as Democrats scored a decisive win in the US midterm elections. A softer dollar makes greenback-priced bullion more affordable for buyers overseas.
On the geopolitical front, Iran and the United States are still far from a deal to end their war, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday, as Trump declined to rule out resuming US combat operations after the elections.
Traders currently see a 79 per cent chance that the Fed will raise rates in December, according to CME's FedWatch tool. Higher interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion, reducing its appeal to investors. Markets now await the US non-farm payrolls report due on Friday.
"US$4,000 is the obvious resistance level — and a break (on) either side of that range could dictate gold's next decent move," said Matt Simpson, senior market analyst at StoneX. India's gold demand is expected to fall to a six-year low in 2026, as elevated prices weigh on jewellery sales and investment demand moderates, the World Gold Council said on Tuesday. Among other metals, spot silver gained 3.8 per cent to US$51.67, platinum 2.8 per cent to US$1,455.71 and palladium climbed 3.8 per cent to US$969.49.