Gold is edging higher on Tuesday, with XAU/USD defending support above $3,310.48 as markets tread cautiously ahead of U.S. inflation data and extended U.S.-China trade negotiations. The CPI print due Wednesday is expected to guide Federal Reserve rate expectations at next week’s June 17–18 policy meeting.
At 11:58 GMT, XAUUSD is trading $3333.65, up $7.97 or +0.24%.
Gold tested a minor pivot at $3,310.48 during the Asian session and found dip-buying interest, but momentum remains capped below the swing high of $3,403.63. A breakout above that level would confirm bullish continuation. On the downside, minor support sits at $3,277.91, while the 50-day moving average at $3,269.90 continues to act as major support. This moving average has guided the uptrend for several months and typically attracts aggressive buyers on initial tests.
The U.S. dollar index is holding just below 99.00, steady after slipping to a six-week low last week. Currency markets remain sensitive to developments from U.S.-China trade talks in London. The negotiations, unlike previous tariff-focused meetings, are addressing more complex topics like chip export controls and rare earth access. Any meaningful progress could temper safe-haven demand for gold, though the underlying geopolitical strain still supports long-side interest in XAU/USD.
Markets are awaiting May’s Consumer Price Index report, which could influence the Fed’s near-term stance. Analysts expect the central bank to hold rates steady next week, but traders are pricing in roughly 50 basis points of cuts by year-end. A hotter-than-expected CPI figure could dampen those bets and pressure gold, while a softer read would likely reinforce gold’s appeal as a hedge against prolonged monetary easing.
Rate expectations are diverging globally, with the Bank of England now facing pressure to cut sooner due to weakening UK labor data. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is expected to delay any further hikes, as Governor Ueda cited uncertainty about inflation momentum. These global rate signals, combined with lingering trade uncertainty, are keeping risk appetite subdued and supporting gold’s underlying bid.
As long as XAU/USD holds the 50-day moving average, the broader trend remains intact. A decisive breakout above $3,403.63 would confirm a bullish continuation, targeting fresh highs. Failure to hold $3,269.90 on a closing basis would signal short-term weakness and expose deeper support levels.
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Mr.Hyerczyk is a technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader. Jim is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis, Forex and stocks.