Pepperstone

It's been a nervy couple of days for the US 500 index with US technology giants led by NVIDIA taking a hit as traders looked to reduce some risk ahead of Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole Symposium speech on Friday (1500 BST), where he could shed some light on whether or not the current market expectation of 2 25bps (0.25%) interest rate cuts in 2025 is correct or overblown. This down move in these key Magnificent Seven stocks has had an outsized influence on the direction of the US 500 due to their large index weightings, and saw prices trade from a record high of 6490 on August 15th down to a low of 6347 yesterday (August 20th). Before we get to the Jackson Hole risk event, later today US 500 traders will have to negotiate the earnings update from retail giant Walmart, which is released before the market close and will provide a crucial insight into the current spending patterns of US consumers, and perhaps more importantly, update traders on what spending may look like across the remainder of 2025. Then, the US preliminary PMI surveys for August are due at 1445 BST. These are important forward-looking reports on manufacturing and service activity in the US economy and will provide a health check on the direction of growth, including updates on new orders, employment and costs. Any reading below 50 = economic contraction and any reading above 50 = economic expansion. The service activity reading, which hit a 7-month high at 55.7 in July is possibly the more relevant release for traders given that it’s been the main driver of US growth for many months now while manufacturing has struggled. Any deviation from expectations could lead to further US 500 volatility. Technical Update: Test or Break of Bollinger Mid-Average Support? On Friday, August 15th, the US 500 index successfully posted a new all-time high at 6490. However, price action has since turned lower, resulting in a sell-off this week. As shown on the chart below, the index is currently testing a potential support level, marked by the Bollinger mid-average, which at the time of writing, stands at 6388. Traders often use the mid-average as an indicator of directional risk. While prices remain above this level, the market is generally considered to be in a positive trend, but when price activity falls below the mid-average, it may signal the development of a downtrend. Therefore, how the 6388 mid-average level is defended on a closing basis over the coming 2 days might indicate the next possible phase of price movement. A close above this level may reinforce support and suggest a potential rebound in price, while a close below it could open the door to further price downside. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the possible support or resistance levels to consider ahead of the key risk events across the remainder of the week. Possible Resistance Levels: As long as the 6388 mid-average support continues to hold on a closing basis, the uptrend could be classed as still intact. This is supported by the pattern of higher highs and higher lows forming in price since the April 7th low. As the chart above shows, this setup could be suggesting potential for further price strength, with the initial resistance at the 6490 August 15th all-time high. A closing break above here could then open scope toward 6671, which is equal to the 38.2% Fibonacci extension level. Potential Support Levels: While not a guarantee of a more extended price decline, closes below the Bollinger mid-average at 6388, if seen over coming sessions, may reflect increasing risks for a deeper sell-off. Such moves might suggest potential for moves down to the next support at 6272, which is the 38.2% retracement level. If this level is in turn breached, focus may then shift to 6214, which is the August 1st low, as the next key support. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Gold’s role as a safe haven in times of stress, whether geo-political or tariff related has kept prices riding a rollercoaster up and down between range highs at 3450 and range lows at 3250 since the start of June. It’s popularity with central banks, led by China, as a diversification asset away from the US dollar has also helped to underpin prices on dips, with the PBOC reporting purchases of the popular metal for 9 straight months in a row. This week that volatility has continued as prices slipped 2% from opening levels around 3400 on Monday to register a low of 3331 before rebounding back 1% higher again. The reason for the drop, confirmation from President Trump that Gold imports won’t be subject to tariffs, providing clarity to a situation that had caused chaos across global markets into the end of the previous week. However, looking forward, with Gold currently trading around 3360 again, there are several drivers in play for traders to focus on. The first, is the on-going situation surrounding Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate cuts. This can be an important consideration given that as a general rule Gold tends to benefit from a lower interest rate environment and vice versa. This is due to it not being an interest-bearing asset when owned. After an in-line US CPI reading on Tuesday, traders have begun to consider the possibility of a potential jumbo 50bps (0.5%) rate cut when the Fed meet next on September 17th. More impetus has been given to this viewpoint after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant stated via Bloomberg TV on Wednesday that he believes US interest rates should be 150-175bps (1.5-1.75%) lower, even adding his weight to the possibility of a 50bps cut in September. Secondly, President Trump and President Putin meet in Alaska on Friday for a face to face summit to discuss what it would take to achieve an extended ceasefire or even peace in Ukraine. This meeting takes place after a big week of diplomacy from European nations who wanted to make their own viewpoints known, including Ukraine’s unwillingness to give up territory to make a deal happen. The potential headlines from this meeting, alongside the outcome of today’s US PPI (factory gate inflation) release at 1330 BST could have an influence on the direction of Gold prices into the weekend. Technical Update: Range Parameters Clearly Set A sideways range in price action typically forms when there is a balance between both buyers and sellers. Price strength is capped at a level where sellers are found to halt the advance and push prices lower. Price declines are then limited by buyers who provide support at lower levels, leading to a recovery in price. This back-and-forth activity creates a stable range until a breakout occurs. This would appear to be the current backdrop for Gold As the chart above shows, recent attempts at Gold price strength have been capped by 3451, which is equal to the June 16th recovery high. This level has limited upward price movement and triggered subsequent weakness. Based on this activity, 3451 possibly represents the upper boundary of Gold’s sideways trading range. As also shown on the chart above, price weakness has followed the failure to break above the 3451 resistance level. However, buyers have also consistently re-emerged around 3246, which is equal to the May 29th and June 30th price lows, successfully holding declines and triggering a price recovery. This price action suggests 3246 currently marks the lower boundary of Gold’s sideways trading range. It is impossible to predict when, or even if, a breakout from a sideways range will occur. In the case of Gold, confirmation of a breakout would require a close above the 3451 resistance level, or below the 3246 support. Until then, the range remains intact. While it does not guarantee a sustained phase of price strength, a successful close above the 3451 resistance level may be viewed by traders as a positive signal for Gold, potentially opening the door for further price strength. A successful close above the 3451 resistance level could signal a potential move toward 3500, the April 22nd all-time high. If this level is also breached, the next resistance may be 3648, which is equal to the 38.2% Fibonacci extension level. To the downside, a closing break below the 3246 support, which marks lower limits of the current sideways range, would likely be needed to suggest a break lower from the range. A successful close below the 3246 support level could lead traders to anticipate further downside risks. If confirmed, this could open the way for a test of 3120, which is equal to the May 15th low support, and potentially extend even further toward 2957, the April 7th low, should that level also be breached. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

The US 500 index registered a new record closing high on Friday at 6396 continuing a bullish trend that has yet to show many signs of faltering. The Monday open has seen this move extend as traders digest the positive news flow from the weekend that a US/EU trade deal has been agreed after President Trump and EU Commission head Ursula Von der Leyen, met in Scotland on Sunday. This has seen the US 500 index rally another 0.4% to a new high of 6429 (0730 BST). However, the week ahead could be a pivotal one for the direction of US stock indices over the remainder of the summer, and in this regard, it is perhaps surprising that market volatility measures, such as the VIX (fear Index), are back to their lowest levels since late March, indicating limited trader concern for what lies ahead. Although, things can change very quickly. In many ways the week ahead is one that has it all, including a new round of US/China trade talks which start today, a Federal Reserve (Fed) rate decision, key tech earnings, tier 1 US data releases and on-going trade/tariff discussions. More than enough to ensure there is the potential for US 500 price action to become increasingly volatile as the week progresses. Looking forward, Wednesday could be a very busy day, with the Fed Interest Rate Decision released at 1900 BST and quickly followed at 1930 BST by the press conference led by Chairman Powell, who has been under intense political pressure in the last 10 days. While the Fed are expected to keep rates unchanged, traders may be interested to see which policymakers were keen to vote for a cut, as well as whether Chairman Powell’s comments indicate a September rate reduction may be more likely than currently anticipated. Then, later Wednesday evening Microsoft, Qualcomm and Meta release their earnings updates after the close, with Amazon and Apple’s results due after the market close on Thursday. These releases could be crucial for sentiment towards the US 500, with particular focus being paid to what these companies say about future revenue and tariff issues, as well as the specific performance of AI and cloud services. This only takes us to the middle of the week, which is where the tier 1 US economic data releases take over, with the PCE Index, the Fed’s preferred gauge of inflation, due on Thursday at 1330 BST, and then the all-important Non-farm Payrolls update on the current health of the US labour market released on Friday at 1330 BST. US 500 index traders may well be sensitive to the outcome of both of these prints. That’s still not all. Friday’s US employment update coincides with President Trump’s tariff deadline which could add to US 500 volatility into the weekend. Wow, I did say it’s a week that has it all! Technical Update: New All-Time Highs Posted Again It looks as if the latest US 500 index activity is maintaining the current positive trending themes after another all-time high was posted this morning at 6429. This could skew risks towards the further development of the pattern of higher price highs and higher price lows that has materialised since the April 7th downside extreme at 4799 was seen. However, it must be remembered, these moves do not guarantee this price activity will continue, so traders may find it useful to assess the possible support and resistance levels that could influence price activity moving forward across what is set to be a very busy week of events. Possible Support Levels: If any US 500 price weakness does materialise across the week ahead with the potential to develop into a more extended phase of declines, a support level that traders may consider worth monitoring could be 6289. 6289 is equal to the current level of the rising Bollinger mid-average. Closing breaks below 6289 might suggest a more extended phase of weakness is possible, opening the potential for moves back to 6234, which is the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement, possibly further if this level in turn gives way. Possible Resistance Levels: Having been capped by the 6429 all-time high this morning, sellers may continue to be found at this level, so this might prove to be the first potential resistance if fresh attempts at price strength develop over the coming week. It may be helpful for traders to watch how this 6429 level is defended on a closing basis, as successful closing breaks might suggest a further extension of the uptrend pattern currently evident in price activity. Such closing breaks higher may well suggest price strength towards 6671, which is the 38.2% Fibonacci extension level of the February 19th to April 7th sell-off. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Gold has seen its price volatility increase across the first three trading days of this week. The initial move was a 3% spike higher from opening levels at 3339 on Monday, to a one month high of 3439 early on Wednesday morning, as traders sought out Gold as a safe haven hedge against renewed political attacks on the independence of the Federal Reserve and more specifically its Chairman, Jerome Powell. Then on Wednesday, the outlook for Gold changed again, almost instantaneously, and prices reversed their course, dropping 1.7% to touch a low of 3381 after President Trump announced a trade deal with Japan, which agreed tariffs of 15% on Japanese imports into the US, a number better than many traders and investors had anticipated. Taken alongside a Bloomberg report released on Wednesday afternoon suggesting a similar agreement could be reached with the EU using the Japan deal as a blueprint, and suddenly the need for Gold as a safe haven hedge didn’t seem quite so necessary. However, while Gold has traded as low as 3374 this morning, prices remain around 1% higher on the week (around 3380 at time of writing 0700 BST), supported on dips by an on-going theme of dollar weakness, which has continued as risk sentiment has shifted to a more positive stance. The challenge for traders is to determine whether this will remain the case into the weekend. Looking forward, President Trump still needs to agree any trade deal negotiated with the EU, which could be a stumbling block keeping Gold volatility elevated, as could updates on the strength of the US economy when the Preliminary PMI Surveys for July are released later today at 1445 BST. Any print below 50 = economic contraction, while any print above 50 = economic expansion, and the direction of service activity in the US economy may be what draws the most headlines, especially if it moves back to the downside. The failure of Gold ahead of the June high at 3451 may also be potentially important from a technical perspective and this is discussed further below. Technical Update: 3451 June Highs In Focus Having previously encountered selling pressure leading to price weakness after being capped at the June 16th high of 3451, this level remains a potential resistance focus for traders. These themes may also have been strengthened after Wednesday’s failure below this level (the session high was 3439), which has prompted the latest downside price activity, as the chart below shows. This activity may see traders question the sustainability of the recent price strength, even looking for fresh price declines. With this in mind, let’s consider what support or resistance levels could be monitored to help establish the direction of the next possible price move. Possible Support Levels: The first support level if price declines are seen over the balance of the week may be marked by 3343, which is equal to the Bollinger mid-average. Closing breaks under the 3343 support, while not a guarantee of a more extended phase of price weakness, might then open potential for a move towards 3246, the June 30th session low. Possible Resistance Levels: As we have suggested, it’s possible the 3451 June 16th session high represents the first resistance focus for traders, if attempts at price strength are again seen. However, closing breaks above 3451 may be required to suggest the potential of a more extended phase of price strength to challenge the 3500 April 22nd all-time high and possibly further if this is broken on a closing basis. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

So far in July, the US 500 has recorded multiple all-time highs on its way to an eventual peak of 6294 on Thursday (July 10th), from which it finally succumbed to some profit taking into the weekend, leading to a small Friday sell off to close at 6255 (-0.4%). Along the way traders have ignored mixed US economic data, and more importantly they have, for the most part, shrugged off President Trump’s increasingly aggressive approach to tariffs, choosing instead to focus on economic resilience, renewed AI optimism and an improving outlook for the Q2 corporate earnings season that kicks fully into gear in the coming days. In terms of tariffs, the fact that there is now a new August 1st deadline to concentrate on may be taking away some of the immediate urgency for the announcement of trade deals, although these issues still remain important and on-going, highlighted by President Trump's weekend social media announcement of 30% tariffs on the EU and Mexico, if a better deal cant be reached in the next 3 weeks. With regard to corporate earnings, the major US banks like JP Morgan (Tuesday before the open) and Bank of America (Wednesday before the open) report this week. Both company’s share prices have seen strong gains since the April lows, so traders will be eagerly awaiting their actual numbers. They will also be keen to hear the thoughts of the bank CEOs on future earnings, bad debt provisions and the potential impact of Trump’s tariffs on the US economy moving forward. Only last week, Jamie Dimon, CEO of JP Morgan, warned market complacency towards potential tariff risks. In terms of scheduled economic data. Tuesday’s US CPI (1330 BST) and Wednesday’s PPI release (1330 BST) stand out. Traders are sensitive to US inflation updates and have been watching over the last several months for signs that tariffs are pushing up prices. So far this hasn’t been the case but these new releases may tell a different story. All of these issues could impact risk sentiment and the direction of the US 500 index in the next 5 trading days. Certainly, the early open has been impacted by President Trump's weekend tariff announcement, with the US 500 currently down 0.46% at 6227 (0800 BST). The technical outlook could also be an important factor in determining price moves. Technical Update: Assessing the Move to A New Record High Last week appears to have seen a slowing in the speed of the recent price strength, but a new all-time high was still posted at 6294 on Thursday. It could be argued that this activity maintains what is still a more constructive pattern of higher price highs and higher price lows that have materialised since the April 7th downside extreme of 4799. However, there is no guarantee this price activity will continue to see new all-time highs posted, so we need to be aware of potential support and resistance levels that may influence price activity. Possible Support Levels: If last week’s possible slowing in upside price momentum develops into a new phase of price weakness, a support level that traders might now be watching could be 6148. This 6148 level is equal to both the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of June 23rd to July 10th strength and the current level of the rising Bollinger mid-average. Closes below 6148 might suggest a more extended phase of weakness back to 6058, the lower 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, possibly further if this in turn gives way. Possible Resistance Levels: Having been capped by the 6294 all-time high last week, sellers may continue to be found at this level, so this might prove to be the first potential resistance if fresh attempts at price strength over the coming week develop. Closing defence of 6294 may need to be watched if challenged, as successful breaks above this level might suggest an extension of the uptrend pattern currently evident in price activity. Such closing breaks higher may well suggest price strength towards 6418, the 200% Fibonacci extension level of the recent price decline. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Positive price activity continues to materialise within equity indices, with several over recent sessions, successfully posting new all-time high trades. The US 500 index is no exception, with at the time of writing (7.30am Monday 30th June) a new upside extreme just posted at 6208, see chart below. However, such moves into new all-time high ground, which effectively is uncharted territory, can offer a challenge to traders. There is obviously difficulty in assessing where next resistance levels might stand. Just because an uptrend price pattern is evident and new all-time highs are being posted, doesn’t guarantee further price strength. There will be levels where sellers, or resistance, are found again that might create at least a short term sell-off in price, even a more extended phase of price weakness. However, how perhaps might we be able to judge where these levels may stand, when an asset is trading at price levels previously not seen? Within technical analysis there is a tool that can potentially help traders gauge where next resistance might be encountered – The Uptrend Channel. Let’s take look at uptrend channels and the US 500 index, and where possible clues might be offered to where both support and resistance levels may currently stand. The Uptrend Channel: We have previously discussed uptrends (and downtrends) in previous reports, so please look at our timeline for further details. However, the basic definition of an uptrend line, is a straight line connecting previous price lows. In the chart below, we look at the US 500 index and have drawn a straight line connecting the 5095 low, posted on April 21st, with 5913, the June 23rd low. This uptrend line today (June 30th 2025) stands at 6000, and traders may now be viewing this as a potential support to price weakness, if seen. It’s held on 2 previous occasions, April 21st and June 23rd, and may do so again, if price weakness approaches this line in the future. Please note, this is a rising trendline, so the support level will move higher each day. Now look at the chart above again, you’ll notice we have also now drawn a trendline parallel to the lower uptrend line, which connects with the 5958 May 16th price high. This line also moves higher each day, as it too represents an uptrend and today stands at 6527. While much will continue to depend on future market sentiment and price trends, if (and as we know within trading, it is a big if!) prices continue to move higher and post new all-time price highs, traders may be watching this uptrend channel pattern to suggest both potential support and resistance price levels. They may argue that while support, which today stands at 6000, marked by the level of the lower limits of the uptrend channel, remains intact, potential might be for a more extended phase of price strength. Possible resistance could then be 6527, the current level of the upper limits of the uptrend channel. Please remember, these levels will change daily, and you will need to refer to your own Pepperstone charts to update these levels on a daily basis, as they will change for each sessions. Looking Ahead: Today marks the end of a volatile but impressive second quarter for the US 500 index. It saw a low of 4799 on Monday April 7th in the thick of the trading carnage caused by President Trump’s trade tariffs, but since the 90 day tariff pause was announced on April 9th the index has rallied steadily to register a new all time high at 6208 in Asia this morning. That’s a bounce of 29% in Q2! The start of Q3 isn’t likely to be without its challenges, however. There are concerns that President Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax bill, that is moving through the Senate currently, could increase the US debt burden to unsustainable levels. Also, the July 9th tariff deadline is getting closer by the day and only 1 trade deal has been announced during the 90 day pause, despite lots of talk that 10 more deals, including India, Japan and potentially the EU are in the pipeline. Updates on the health of the US economy this week in the form of Non-farm Payrolls on Thursday (1330 BST) and ISM Services PMI (1500 BST) could be critical if markets expectations for Fed rate cuts later in the year are to materialise, and the next earnings season for US companies begins in the middle of next week as well. How this all unfolds could help to determine whether the US 500 keeps recording new all time highs or begins to unwind the recent upside moves as risk sentiment sours again. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Gold is back in focus this morning after it fell to a 3 week low at 3287 in early European trading.Part of the reason for the fall may have been the on-going ceasefire agreement holding between Israel and Iran, which can reduce the need for Gold as a safe haven, or prices may have been influenced by comments from US Commerce Secretary Lutnick made to Bloomberg TV overnight which suggested that the Trump administration have plans to reach agreements with a set of 10 major trading partners ahead of the July 9th pause deadline to reinstate higher tariffs.Of course, these potential Gold negatives need to be balanced against the potential positives of increased optimism in recent days that the Federal Reserve may cut interest rates by more than expected into the end of 2025 as the US economy stalls, and the US dollar printing a fresh 3 year low yesterday.Looking forward, the release of the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the PCE Index at 1330 BST later today could hold the key to whether Gold falls below support to even lower levels (see technical section below) or moves back higher again into Friday’s close. Whatever the outcome, its setting up for an interesting end of the week for Gold.Technical Update:With selling pressure developing in Gold again so far this morning, traders might well be searching for next support levels that may be successful in limiting current price declines, or if broken, could in turn lead to a more extended phase of weakness. Much will depend on future price trends and market sentiment, but as the chart above shows, latest price activity is this morning posting new 3-week lows for Gold. This suggests traders might now be focused on 3245, equal to the last correction low in price posted on May 29th as the next possible support level.While not a guarantee of further declines if broken, 3245 closing breaks could lead to further price weakness towards 3120, the May 15th downside extreme.Of course, it is possible this 3245 low does continue to act as support to price weakness and may turn activity higher again. However, if this is to lead to a more sustained period of price strength, resistance might now stand at 3356.Equal to the Bollinger mid-average, closing breaks might be required to suggest possibilities to resume price strength back towards the 3435/3452 May 6th and June 16th price failure highs. The material provided here has not been prepared accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Gold prices have moved slowly higher at the start of this week, moving from a Monday low at 3293, up to a Tuesday high of 3349, with prices slightly lower this morning at time of writing (3335 – 0700 BST).Traders have already had much to consider this week, with heightened tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine to focus on, as well as the midnight conclusion of the eagerly awaited second round of trade talks between the US and China.These talks finished after 20 hours of negotiation over 2 days and have seemingly produced a framework for President’s Trump and Xi to sign off on, with progress made in key areas (supply of rare earth metals and advanced technology), while leaving the wider issues for another time.This leaves the May US CPI (inflation) release due out later today at 1330 BST as the next major scheduled event that could have an influence on where Gold moves into the Friday close. This release takes on more significance as it is the first month where President Trump's tariffs should start to impact prices paid by US consumers. The extent to which this shows up in the data could be the catalyst for a wider shift in risk sentiment and Gold prices depending on how far the print deviates from expectations.Technical Update: Considering the Bollinger Mid-Average Support Since the test of the psychological 3500 level on April 22nd, which held and reversed the sharp acceleration higher in Gold, the latest price activity has seen a consolidation extend, as can be seen on the chart below. Of course, this type of consolidation can materialise following the type of aggressive activity as that seen into the April 22nd all-time high and may be viewed by traders as an on-going attempt to unwind upside price extremes.However, traders are always looking forward for insight into where Gold may move next, especially with the May US CPI update release out later today. With that in mind let’s consider what might be the potential support and resistance levels to focus on? Potential Support Levels:Within a positive trending condition such as that recently seen in Gold a rising Bollinger mid-average can provide a support level. For Gold the mid-average currently stands at 3311 (see chart below) and this may represent a relevant first support level for traders to monitor on a closing basis. While closing breaks below this type of support level offer no guarantee of further price declines, if it were to happen, it may lead to a more extended phase of price weakness. This could in turn open further downside tests towards to the next potential support at 3289, which is equal to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of May 15th to June 3rd 2025 strength, and if this in turn were to break, the 61.8% retracement which stands at 3225. Potential Resistance Levels:While the support at 3311 offered by the rising Bollinger mid-average remains intact on a closing basis, it is possible further attempts at price strength may develop. This could lead to tests of higher resistance levels. The first resistance level for traders to monitor could be 3392, which is the June 3rd session high. Any potential closing breaks above this resistance may be viewed as a more constructive development, which could then open the possibility of further attempts at price strength towards 3435, which is the May 6th session high (see chart above).The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

Fresh optimism regarding trade negotiations between the US and China, coupled with confirmation on Friday that the US labour market is cooling down slowly and not indicating an imminent US recession, has seen the US 500 index open this morning at 4 month highs, bumping up against the psychological 6000 again, with its all time peak of 6144 (February 19th) back in sight. Looking forward, this could be a pivotal week for the US 500, with a variety of risk events for traders to consider, all of which may have the potential to impact the direction of risk sentiment into the Friday close. First up, later today, traders will be eagerly awaiting updates from the second round of trade talks between US and Chinese trade teams, who are tasked with defusing tensions regarding the supply of rare earth minerals and advanced technology. Then, on Wednesday (CPI 1330 BST) and Thursday (PPI 1330 BST) the next round of US inflation updates for May are released. These could be relevant to traders who have become more sensitive to potential price rises due to the impact of President Trump's trade tariffs. Any surprise deviations from expectations in either of these releases could see an increase in US 500 index volatility. Putting this all together with any fresh reports outlining progress on trade deals between the US and Japan or the EU, and it could be a volatile week in store. With this in mind, it can be helpful to consider the technical indicators and trends. Technical Update: Focus on the Bollinger Mid Average While some may have argued for a slowing in upside momentum of the recent US 500 index advance, price weakness has continued to be limited in both time and extent. Importantly, as the chart above shows, when short term setbacks in price have recently materialised, it has been the rising Bollinger mid-average that has marked a support focus. This maintains the potential of a more constructive picture and positive price trend, where buyers have been happy to pay a higher price each time that weakness is seen, and have been able to push the index above previous peaks in price, to new recovery highs. Of course, there is no guarantee this pattern of higher highs and higher lows in price will extend further, but traders may well be focusing on this type of pattern as having the potential to lead to a more sustained phase of price strength. What are the potential support and resistance levels that traders may be watching this week for clues to the direction of the next possible price move? Potential Resistance Levels: Further evidence that a positive trend in price could still be in place came on Friday, as a new recovery price high at 6017 was posted. Traders may now be watching how a previous price high at 6049, which was posted on February 24th is defended, as closing breaks may see further attempts to push to higher levels. Such moves could then lead to further price strength towards 6144, the February 19th all-time high. Potential Support Levels: Having held and turned price activity higher over previous tests, it may well still be the rising Bollinger mid-average, which currently stands at 5916 that represents a possible support focus this week. Closes below this level while not confirmation of a more extended phase of price weakness, may see a deeper decline to test 5842, the May 30th session low, even on to the 5742 level, which is equal to the low posted on May 23rd. The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.

You could have been mistaken into thinking that the down move in Gold at the back end of last week, which saw it trade to a low of 3271 on Friday and then close the week only slightly higher at 3288, was the type of price action that reflected tired long positioning and may have led to further tests of deeper support levels between 3245 (May 28th low) and 3204 (May 20th low). However, that has not been the case, with traders rushing back to Gold as an important safe haven asset, as a rise in trade tensions between the US and China and an escalation in geo-political risks after Ukraine carried out long range drone strikes deep into Russia on Sunday, while Russia carried out attacks on Kyiv, threw the outcome of crucial peace talks between the two nations into doubt.Yesterday, this fresh demand for Gold saw prices surge 2.8% to a high of 3383 and then continue that move up to a high of 3392 this morning in early Asia trading before some profit taking led prices back lower towards 3350 area again.Looking forward across the rest of today, and the remainder of the week, Gold could remain in focus for several reasons, the first as traders await the outcomes of key data updates on the health of the US economy provided by the ISM Services PMI survey released tomorrow at 1500 BST, then by the Non-farm Payrolls release which comes out on Friday at 1330 BST.The second reason may well be as traders await fresh news regarding the progress of trade negotiations between the US and China, which includes an update on whether President Trump and Xi will speak directly to each other at some stage this week. Yesterday the White House stated again that a call between the leaders of the world's two biggest economies was likely, however there has been no comment from the Chinese side so far.The third, could be linked to how Russia and Ukraine move forward this week after peace talks concluded yesterday in Istanbul with very limited progress on a ceasefire or peace deal. Traders may well remain sensitive to news of any fresh attacks, the potential of further peace talks or comments from President Trump on the current stalemate.Technical Outlook: Back to Potential Resistance?It has been an impressive rally in the price of Gold since the 3120 May 15th session low, as both geo-political and trade tensions have increased again. This activity might be leading some to ask if this price strength may open a more sustainable phase of price strength, or represent a limited price recovery, before selling pressure materialises again. Much will clearly depend on future market sentiment and news updates to help us gauge the answer to these potential questions, but does technical analysis offer clues to possible future price trends? Potential Resistance Levels:As impressive as latest price strength appears, traders may well now be asking, has this advance broken important resistance levels which could suggest possibilities of a push to higher levels? So far at least, it might be argued that it hasn’t yet. From a technical perspective, evidence of selling pressure developing at a lower level each time a price recovery is seen, might be an indication that sellers are happy to be active earlier. This may be construed as a potentially negative sentiment, which may in time lead to further price declines. So far this morning on June 3rd, at the time of writing, the latest recovery high has been 3392, which is lower than the upside extreme posted at 3435, on May 6th. Traders may be focusing on this 3435 failure high as a resistance level and an important point that may need to be broken to suggest the pattern of lower price highs is ending. A successful break of these 3435 highs if seen, might then suggest a more extended phase of price strength back towards the 3500 April 22nd all-time Gold high.Potential Support Levels:To the downside, price weakness appears to have recently been supported by 3289, which is equal to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of May 15th to June 3rd strength, and if the pattern of lower highs and lower price lows is to extend, it might be closing breaks under 3289 that skew risks to the downside.Such downside breaks while not a guarantee of further price weakness, might lead to further price weakness towards 3225, which is the lower 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, and even on to 3120, which is the May 15th session price low. The material provided here has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Whilst it is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research, we will not seek to take any advantage before providing it to our clients. Pepperstone doesn’t represent that the material provided here is accurate, current or complete, and therefore shouldn’t be relied upon as such. The information, whether from a third party or not, isn’t to be considered as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product or instrument; or to participate in any particular trading strategy. It does not take into account readers’ financial situation or investment objectives. We advise any readers of this content to seek their own advice. Without the approval of Pepperstone, reproduction or redistribution of this information isn’t permitted.