• Gold price consolidates below all-time highs of $3,038 on the Fed day.
• US Dollar attempts recovery as traders resort to repositioning.
• Gold price could pull back before resuming its record-setting rally.

Gold price is consolidating the recent upsurge to a record high of $3,038 in Wednesday’s Asian trading hours. Gold buyers take a breather as a sense of caution prevails, heading toward the all-important US Federal Reserve (fed) monetary policy announcements due later in the day.

Gold price braces for the Fed verdict-driven intense volatility

The Fed is widely expected to extend the pause to its interest-rate-cutting cycle in March but the Statement of Economic Projections (SEP), the so-called Dot Plot chart, and Chairman Jerome Powell’s speech will hold the key to gauging the scope and timing of the central bank’s next policy moves.

Any hints of a further extension of the pause by the Fed this year, in the face of US President Donald Trump’s protectionism and its inflationary impact, could trigger a sharp correction in the non-interest-bearing Gold price. The US Dollar (USD) is likely to see a fresh recovery rally following a potential hawkish Fed decision.

Markets have priced in at least two more rate cuts this year due to growing economic concerns induced by Trump’s tariffs. Gold price could also feel the heat if the Fed policymakers pencil in fewer rate cuts this year compared to the December projections.

However, if Fed Chair Powell expresses concerns over a likely recession or if the Fed officials stick to their rate cut forecast for 2025, it could be perceived as a dovish hold. In such a scenario, the USD and the US Treasury bond yields could come under intense selling pressure, lifting Gold price to fresh record highs.

In the meantime, Gold could see a minor pullback as traders cash in on profits after the record rally while bracing for the Fed event-led volatility. Any downside in the safe-haven Gold price will likely remain capped due to persisting geopolitical and trade tensions.

Reuters reported on Wednesday that “Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza and killed more than 400 people on Tuesday.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remained sceptical on Russia’s proposal to halt strikes on energy infrastructure in a limited ceasefire arrangement agreed between US President Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over the phone on Tuesday.

These tensions, combined with tariff uncertainty and the outcome of the Bank of Japan (BoJ) policy decision, will likely drive the broad market sentiment, impacting the value of the US Dollar and the Gold price action.  

The BoJ is expected to keep the short-term interest rate steady at 0.50%, with hawkish hints likely on the cards by the central bank due to rising inflationary pressures, stubborn wages and the trade war impact.

Gold price technical analysis: Daily chart

Technically, nothing changes for the Gold price in the near term as the bullish bias remains intact, with the ascending triangle breakout in play.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) is flat-lined just above the overbought region, near 72, at the time of writing. The leading indicator suggests that a brief pullback could be in the offing before the next leg up resumes.

Therefore, if the Gold price extends the retreat, the initial demand area near the $2,980 level will be put to the test.

The next downside caps are at the previous triangle resistance-turned-support at $2,956 and the 21-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $2,935.

The triangle support at $2,915 will prove to be a tough nut to crack for sellers.

On the flip side, Gold price could retest the record high of $3,038 if buyers regain control. Further up, the $3,050 mark will be on their radars.

• Silver trades at $33.97, failing to hold above $34.00 for the second straight day amid buyer hesitation.
• RSI flattens near overbought levels, suggesting bulls may pause before the next breakout attempt.
• Key resistance at $34.51 and $35.00, while support lies at $33.75, followed by $33.44 if downside pressure builds.

Silver price rally halts for the second straight day, with bulls remaining unable to decisively clear the $34.00 figure for the second consecutive day despite registering a yearly peak of $34.23. At the time of writing, the XAG/USD trades at $33.97, virtually unchanged, as Wednesday’s Asian session commences.

XAG/USD Price Forecast: Technical outlook

On Tuesday, Silver traded mostly sideways and printed a daily close below 50% of the candle’s size, indicating that neither buyers nor sellers are in charge. Although the overall trend suggests the uptrend might continue, bulls seem to take a breather as depicted by the Relative Strength Index (RSI) turning flatlines near overbought territory.

If XAG/USD rises past $34.20, the next key resistance would be the October 30, 2024, peak at $34.51, followed by the $35.00 mark. On the flip side, if Silver’s remains below $34.00, the first support would be the March 18 low of $33.75, followed by the March 17 through at $33.44.

XAG/USD Price Chart – Daily

Bull Breakout Fails

A rally earlier in Tuesday’s trading session saw crude oil trigger a potential breakout of a double bottom bullish reversal pattern. However, the subsequent bearish reaction negates that breakout and adds to the risk of a failed bull breakout. Therefore, the chance that crude oil may challenge recent lows before attempting to go higher again increases. Although a drop below today’s low would provide the next sign of weakening demand, crude oil would be falling into a support zone that has been retained for approximately 10 days, including today.

Another Upside Attempt Possible

Certainly, it is possible that an upside breakout of the double bottom pattern will be attempted again, and it may have greater success next time. Given that the 20-Day MA continues to fall, the price that it represents will also decline. This makes it the next key potential resistance level to be challenged and possibly exceeded, if the bulls are to have a chance at a counter-trend rally. A daily close above the 20-Day MA would be needed for bullish signs that may continue to strengthen. Furthermore, a daily close above approximately $68.98 would then be needed to further confirm strength.

Weekly Chart is More Bullish Than Not

Note that the weekly chart (not shown) shows a potential bullish doji hammer candlestick pattern that formed last week. A bullish breakout signal triggered today and of course it has failed so far. But it is possible that following a deeper pullback into last week’s price range, a bullish reversal might follow that could lead to another breakout above last week’s high at $68.03 and the neckline of the double bottom pattern at $68.37.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

XAU/USD Current price: $3,036.41

• Mounting geopolitical tensions boosted demand for the bright metal.
• The focus shifts to the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy announcement.
• XAU/USD pressures record highs, aims to extend its rally.

XAU/USD reached a fresh all-time high of $3,038.33 on Tuesday, trading nearby in the mid-American session. The bright metal benefited from mounting geopolitical jitters on different fronts.

On the one hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of breaking the peace agreement by refusing to release hostages and resuming attacks on Gaza, reviving the Middle East conflict despite the United States’ (US) efforts to maintain the cease-fire.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump is set to call its Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to reestablish the relationship between the two countries and discuss a possible end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, US President Trump engaged in airstrikes on Yemen as a response to the Houthis’ attack on US vessels in the Red Sea over the weekend.

Meanwhile, trade war concerns weigh on the US Dollar (USD). The Greenback hit fresh 2025 lows against European rivals, maintaining its broad weakness despite a dismal mood.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve (Fed) will announce its decision on monetary policy. As previously explained, the Fed is widely anticipated to keep the benchmark interest rate on hold at 4.25%-4.50% amid the uncertainty surrounding US President Trump’s trade war and its impact on the economic performance of the world’s largest economy. At the same time, the central bank will also release the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) or dot plot, a document providing a fresh view of the overall state of the American economy alongside officials’ aims at interest rate moves. Finally, Chairman Jerome Powell will deliver a press conference.

XAU/USD short-term technical outlook

The XAU/USD pair trades near its record high and technical readings in the daily chart suggest the bullish run will continue. Technical indicators head firmly north without signs of upward exhaustion despite the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator standing at overbought levels. At the same time, the bright metal develops well above all its moving averages, with the 20 Simple Moving Average (SMA) resuming its advance and currently standing at around $2,931.

The near-term picture also favors an upward extension. In the 4-hour chart, the 20 SMA accelerates north far above also bullish 100 and 200 SMAs. Still, the aforementioned 20 SMA stands at around $2,995, well below the current level. At the same time, the Momentum indicator diverges lower, easing within positive levels, while the Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator consolidates at around 80. A corrective slide is possible, but buyers will likely take their chances on dips.

Support levels:3,010.40 2,996.90 2,978.40

Resistance levels: 3,040.00 3,055.00 3,070.00

Bearish Breakdown Impact Remains

Given the drop below both the 20-Day line and trendline last week, and subsequent daily closes below each line, natural gas looks to be preparing for a continuation to the downside. In addition, there is a bearish divergence in the relatively strength index (RSI) momentum oscillator, as the indicator shows a declining trend that began while natural gas was completing its recent rally. However, since there are potential support levels not too much lower, the bearish continuation may not go far.

Key Near-term Support at $3.955

Nevertheless, a decisive decline below $3.955 signals a bearish continuation of the pullback. The next lower targets are then the 50-Day MA at $3.85 currently, and a price range of $3.74 to $3.72, consisting of the more recent swing low and the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement, respectively. In addition, the 61.8% level can be watched along with the $3.64 price area as it was a high in 2023 and could represent support as it approached from the upside.

Bearish Trend Reversal Risk

If there is a decline below the prior swing low at $3.74 and the price of natural gas stays below it, there is a risk of a bearish trend reversal of the upswing that began from the $2.99 interim swing low. Such a bearish reversal would be confirmed by a daily close below that swing low. That would put the next lower uptrend in sight for a test as support.

Behavior Around 50-Day Line to Provide Clues

Since the 50-Day MA is rising it is possible that natural gas continues to consolidate until the 50-Day is closer to or reached the $3.955 to $4.22 price zone. In that case, strength would have been maintained, and it could establish a floor before another rally attempt.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.

• Silver price rises sharply to near $34.00 as its appeal increases amid global economic uncertainty.
• The Fed is expected to leave interest rates steady on Wednesday.
• US President Trump is scheduled to speak with Russian leader Putin on a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine.

Silver price (XAG/USD) posts a fresh four-month high near $34.10 in European trading hours on Tuesday. The white metal strengthens as the US Dollar (USD) declines amid deepening uncertainty over the United States (US) economic outlook under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, slides to near the five-month low of 103.20.

US officials, including Donald Trump, have not ruled out an economic recession amid the implementation of new economic policies, especially tariffs. Market participants expect Trump’s tariff agenda could accelerate inflationary pressures and slow down economic growth globally. Historically, demand for non-yielding assets, such as Silver, increases amid heightened global economic woes and inflation.

Meanwhile, investors await US-Russia talks on a 30-day ceasefire plan on Tuesday. Last week, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire plan after discussions with US officials in Saudi Arabia. On Monday, the European Union (EU) Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the conditions demanded by Russia to agree to a ceasefire showed Moscow does not really want peace, Reuters report.

Signs of de-escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war would diminish the appeal of safe-haven assets. On the contrary, an absence of a positive outcome is unlikely to increase the strength of safe-haven bets as they already hold the risk premium of the three-year war in Ukraine.

Going forward, investors will pay close attention to the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decision on Wednesday. The Fed is almost certain to keep interest rates steady in the range of 4.25%-4.50%. Investors will pay close attention to the Fed’s dot plot to know where officials see Federal Fund Rates heading in the near and long term.

Silver technical analysis

Silver price advances toward the flat border of the Ascending Triangle chart pattern formation on the daily timeframe near the October 22 high of $34.87. The upward-sloping border of the above-mentioned chart pattern is placed from the August 8 low of $26.45. Technically, the Ascending Triangle pattern indicates indecisiveness among market participants.

Advancing 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) near $32.77 indicates a strong uptrend.

The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) holds above 60.00, suggesting a strong bullish momentum.

Looking down, the March 6 high of $32.77 will act as key support for the Silver price. While, the October 22 high of $34.87 will be the major barrier.

Silver daily chart

The pair’s price exploited the positive pressure resulting from the formation of the 55-period moving average as a new support, centered around 0.8185, in addition to the positive momentum exhibited by the Stochastic indicator. This allowed the price to surge recently above the stable resistance at 0.8255, marking its transition into an uptrend and recording tangible gains by reaching approximately 0.8330.

We expect the formation of a primary support level at 0.8260 in the current trading session. With the continued presence of key bullish momentum indicators, the price is anticipated to resume its upward drive, targeting 0.8372 soon. If this barrier is breached, 0.8415 will become the next primary target for the bullish move.

The expected trading range for today is between 0.8295 and 0.8372.

Today’s Price Forecast: Bullish

Crude prices are climbing from rising tensions in the Middle East, which could lead to disruption of supplies from the region.  Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza today, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire with Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to act “with increasing military strength” to free hostages and disarm Hamas.  The US is also launching strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and Defense Secretary Hegseth said strikes would be “unrelenting” until the group stops attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

Today’s global economic news was supportive for energy demand and crude prices.  US Feb housing starts rose +11.2% m/m to 1.501 million, stronger than expectations of 1.385 million.  Also, US Feb manufacturing production rose +0.9% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.3% m/m and the biggest increase in a year.  In addition, the German Mar ZEW survey expectations of economic growth rose +25.6 to a 3-year high of 51.6, stronger than expectations of 48.3.

A bearish factor for crude was Sunday’s action by Goldman Sachs to cut its year-end WTI crude price forecast to $67 a barrel from $72 and lower its 2025 global oil demand forecast by 18% to 900,000 bpd, citing a slowing global economy from tariffs and the OPEC+ plan to increase production.

Also weighing on crude prices is concern that US tariffs and retaliatory tariffs will curb global growth and undercut energy demand.  

Ramped-up Russian oil exports are negative for crude prices after data compiled by Bloomberg from analytics firm Vortexa showed Russian Feb oil products exports reached a 1-year high of 2.5 million bpd.

Crude prices were undercut when OPEC+ said on March 3 that it would restart some halted crude output in April, adding 138,000 bpd to global supplies.  That is the first of a series of monthly hikes to reverse the 2-year-long production cut, which will gradually restore a total of 2.2 million bpd.  OPEC+ had previously planned to restore production between January and late 2025, but now that production cut won’t be fully restored until September 2026.  OPEC Feb crude production rose +320,000 bpd to a 14-month high of 27.35 million bpd.

In a supportive factor for crude oil prices, the US on January 10 imposed new sanctions on Russia’s oil industry that could curb global oil supplies.  The measures targeted Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftgas, which exported about 970,000 bpd of Russian crude in the first 10 months of 2024, accounting for about 30% of its tanker flow, according to Bloomberg data.  The US also targeted insurers and traders linked to hundreds of tanker cargoes.  Weekly vessel-tracking data from Bloomberg showed Russian crude exports fell by -30,000 bpd to 3.45 million bpd in the week to March 16.  

Crude oil demand in China has weakened and is a bearish factor for oil prices.  According to Chinese customs data, China’s 2024 crude imports fell -1.9% y/y to 553 MMT.  China is the world’s biggest crude importer.

A decline in crude oil held worldwide on tankers is bullish for oil prices.  Vortexa reported Monday that crude oil stored on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven days fell by -20% w/w to 60.89 million bbl in the week ended March 14.

Last Wednesday’s EIA report showed that (1) US crude oil inventories as of March 7 were -5.1% below the seasonal 5-year average, (2) gasoline inventories were +1.3% above the seasonal 5-year average, and (3) distillate inventories were -4.8% below the 5-year seasonal average.  US crude oil production in the week ending March 7 rose +0.5% w/w to 13.575 million bpd, modestly below the record high of 13.631 million bpd from the week of December 6.

Baker Hughes reported last Friday that active US oil rigs in the week ending March 14 rose +1 rig to 487 rigs, mildly above the 3-year low of 472 rigs posted on January 24.  The number of US oil rigs has fallen over the past two years from the 4-1/2 year high of 627 rigs posted in December 2022. 

Yesterday, the index experienced strong positive pressure, aligning with its consistent trading above the key support level at 19145.00, which led to the formation of some upward waves as it faces a key barrier at 20000.00, representing the 61.8% extended Fibonacci level.

However, the repeated stability below this barrier confirms the price’s adherence to the bearish scenario, suggesting that new negative waves may form soon to push the price towards 19560.00. If that level is broken, trading may extend again toward the previously mentioned key support. Conversely, if the barrier is broken and the price stabilizes above it, the likelihood of a transition to a bullish scenario increases, with the price potentially targeting new positive levels, making 20180.00 the first positive target for the uptrend.

The expected trading range for today is between 19560.00 and 19950.00.

Today’s Price Forecast: Bearish due to barrier stability

The copper price has reinforced its bullish momentum by repeatedly fluctuating near the $4.9300 level, maintaining a positive stance within the boundaries of its ascending channel. Meanwhile, $4.8100 continues to serve as additional support in recent trading.

Currently, as the Stochastic indicator moves closer to the overbought zone, it could boost the price’s potential to gain the extra positive momentum needed to reach the channel’s resistance, which extends toward $5.000. This level represents a strong psychological barrier, so we recommend closely monitoring the price action once this target is approached.

Expected Trading Range for Today:

Between $4.8500 and $5.0000

Today’s Price Forecast: Bullish