Port Harcourt — Gold prices held firm on Thursday, trading near the week’s high as investors weighed softer US economic data and persistent global uncertainty. The metal has benefited from safe-haven flows and rising bets on monetary easing.
The US services sector contracted for the first time in nearly a year, while ADP data showed private payroll growth in May slowed to its weakest pace since March 2023.
These developments reinforced market conviction that the Federal Reserve may deliver two rate cuts in 2025, favouring non-yielding assets like gold. However, Fed officials continue to signal caution, citing ongoing trade-related risks, which could limit gold’s upside potential.
Still, investors could remain cautious ahead of today’s jobless claims and Friday’s nonfarm payroll report. A strong reading could challenge the current rate-cut narrative and weigh on gold, while any downside surprise may drive gold prices up.
*Konstantinos Chrysikos Head of Customer Relationship Management at Kudotrade
