Gold prices fell on Wednesday, from a two-week high hit in the previous session, as an array of strong data from the United States and increased COVID-19 vaccinations lifted hopes of a quick economic recovery, weighing on the metal’s safe-haven appeal.
Spot gold was down 0.3% to $1,737.75 per ounce by 0354 GMT. U.S. futures for the yellow metal slipped 0.3% to $1,738.60 per ounce.
“Gold is being pressured by a little bit of profit taking after a series of strong U.S. data that indicated a quick economic recovery,” said Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at financial services firm Axi.
Bullion prices had jumped on Tuesday to their highest since March 25 at $1,745.15, as U.S. Treasury yields fell and the dollar slipped to a two-week low against a basket of currencies.
“However, the softening of the yields points towards a situation where central banks around the globe will remain dovish and that will support the yellow metal at least in the medium term,” Innes said.
In the latest spree of strong economic data, U.S. job openings rose to a two-year high in February while hiring picked up on strengthening domestic demand amid increased COVID-19 vaccinations and additional pandemic aid from the government.
IMf Forecast hits Dollar, Gold
The International Monetary Fund also raised its outlook for global economic growth, forecasting worldwide output would rise 6% this year.
SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest exchange-traded fund backed by the yellow metal, said its holdings fell 0.4% to 1,029.04 tonnes on Tuesday from 1,032.83 tonnes on Monday.
Silver fell 0.4% to $25.06 and palladium was down 0.4% at $2,674.30. Platinum rose 0.8% to $1,242.13.
