Gold prices still holding $1,850 as PCE core inflation rises 4.9%, in line with expectations
The gold market continues to hold around the critical psychological level of $1,850 but according to some analysts, could struggle in the near-term as inflation pressures could have peaked.
On a monthly basis, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, increased 0.3% last month, the U.S. Department of Commerce said on Friday. The inflation data was in line with expectations.
On an annual basis, core PCE rose to 4.9% down from the 5.2% rise seen in March. This is the second month annual inflation measures have dropped after hitting 5.3% in February. The drop in annual inflation was also in line with expectations.
The gold market is taking the latest inflation data in stride. June gold futures last traded at $1,850.40 an ounce, up 0.19% on the day.
Some analysts have noted that gold could struggle to attract new bullish capital as the Federal Reserve continues to aggressively raise interest rates while inflation pressure fall. This would drive real interest rate higher, which would be negative for gold, a nonyielding asset.
Looking at headline inflation, the report said that the PCE Index rose 0.2% last month, down compared to March’s rise of 0.9%. For the year headline inflation rose 6.3%, down from the previous increase of 6.6%.
Along with easing inflation pressures, the report also showed consumers continuing to hold up well, despite the economic uncertainty.
The report said that personal spending rose 0.9% last month, up from March’s 1.1% increase. The data beat expectations as consensus forecasts called for a 0.7% rise.
However, the data also shows that consumers are tapping into their savings as income increased 0.4%, down from March’s increase of 0.5. Economists were expecting to see a 0.5% increase.
According to economists, the savings rate fell to 4.4%, the lowest level since 2008.
By Neils Christensen
For Kitco News
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