Since 2025, gold has continued its upward trend, with an overall increase of nearly 30%. At mid-year, it briefly broke through the historical high of $3,500, but with the uncertainty over tariff policies lifted and some investors taking profits, the gold price experienced a short-term correction. Recently, ahead of the upcoming inflation data release, the market remains cautious, with spot gold stabilizing around $3,355.
Interest rates and inflation expectations
Gold has a negative correlation with interest rates. When interest rates decline or the market expects a rate cut, the opportunity cost of holding gold decreases, which stimulates an increase in buying. Currently, the Federal Reserve has released a mild signal, and the market anticipates a possible rate cut in the coming months, which supports the price movement of gold.
Trade policies and geopolitical risks
Geopolitical risks are one of the important factors driving gold higher. For example, changes in tariff policies and escalations in regional conflicts can increase investorsâ demand for safe havens. Against the backdrop of slowing global economic growth, goldâs role in investment portfolios becomes even more prominent.
Market demand changes: central bank, ETF, physical
Central banks around the world, especially those in Asia and the Middle East, are continuously increasing their gold reserves to diversify risks associated with dollar assets. At the same time, gold ETF holdings remain high, reflecting institutional recognition of goldâs long-term value. Demand for physical gold remains strong in some countries, providing stable support for gold prices.
Technical analysis shows that $3,300 is the key support level for gold in the near term. If it breaks below, it may further dip to $3,250. The resistance level above is between $3,400 and $3,420; once it effectively breaks through, the gold price is expected to challenge the historical high of $3,500 again. Short-term investors can pay attention to the breakout situation in the $3,350 to $3,400 range.
Newbie investors in gold should avoid investing all their funds at once and instead adopt a regular investment or phased buying strategy to diversify risk. They can participate in different forms such as purchasing gold ETFs, paper gold, and gold futures, choosing products that suit their risk tolerance. At the same time, they should keep a close watch on the Federal Reserveâs interest rate decisions, global inflation trends, and geopolitical dynamics, as these factors are often key variables affecting gold price movement.