ANZ sees the recent retreat in gold prices from record highs as a healthy correction. Despite improved US-China trade sentiment, the medium-term macro backdrop—characterized by persistent tariff risks, rising inflation expectations, and slowing growth—remains supportive for gold. ANZ maintains a year-end target of USD 3,600/oz, with USD 3,000–3,200/oz identified as a potential buy zone.
Key Points:
-
Recent Pullback from Highs:
-
Gold fell from a record USD 3,500/oz as easing geopolitical tensions and trade optimism reduced safe haven demand.
-
-
Macro Conditions Still Fragile:
-
Q1 US GDP contracted by 0.3% (saar)—the first Q1 contraction since 2022.
-
Fed’s Beige Book cited trade-related economic uncertainty; inflation expectations rose to 6.7% due to tariff-induced cost pressures.
-
-
Monetary Policy & Real Rates:
-
Market now expects up to 100bp of Fed rate cuts.
-
Lower nominal rates and rising inflation will compress real rates, a traditional tailwind for gold.
-
-
Q1 Gold Demand Resilient:
-
Total demand rose 1% y/y to 1,206t—the highest Q1 since 2016.
-
Investment demand surged to 552t (+170% y/y), led by a reversal in ETF flows (+227t).
-
Central banks bought 244t, still above average despite a quarterly drop.
-
Jewellery demand declined 19% y/y due to high prices.
-
Scrap supply remained weak despite record prices, suggesting consumers are holding for further upside.
-
Conclusion:
ANZ remains bullish on gold, projecting USD 3,600/oz by year-end. They see USD 3,000–3,200/oz as a key support zone where fresh investment demand is likely to re-emerge, driven by persistent macro uncertainty, accommodative policy expectations, and favorable real rate dynamics.
For bank trade ideas, check out eFX Plus. For a limited time, get a 7 day free trial, basic for $79 per month and premium at $109 per month. Get it here.
This article was written by Adam Button at www.forexlive.com.
