Gold prices stumbled as bond markets roared on Wednesday, causing yields on benchmark US Treasuries to soar to a 16-year high. The precious metal, initially bolstered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, saw a surge to its highest level in four weeks. However, as concerns over potential conflict persisted, investors turned to safe-haven assets, briefly driving gold up by 1.07% to reach $1,945.85.
This bullish momentum, though, was short-lived. The enthusiasm in gold markets waned as 10-year Treasury yields rose by 0.06 percentage points, hitting an alarming 4.9% – a level not witnessed since 2007. Simultaneously, 30-year Treasury yields climbed by 0.05 percentage points, touching 5.0%. The uptick in yields was met with apprehension from market players, who began to shun bonds due to the uncertain inflation outlook, as noted by Lyn Graham-Taylor, a senior rates strategist for Rabobank.
The catalyst for this market frenzy can be traced back to the release of robust US retail sales data for September, which surpassed expectations. Furthermore, last week’s figures indicating a slight re-acceleration in US headline inflation contributed to the growing apprehension about the direction of the global economy. Investors, wary of potential inflationary pressures, opted to steer clear of bonds, resulting in the dramatic surge in Treasury yields.
While gold, often considered a safe-haven asset in times of geopolitical tension, initially basked in the glow of escalating Middle East conflicts, the strengthening belief that US interest rates would remain elevated for an extended period curbed its ascent. As a result, gold relinquished its gains, now trading at $1,938.42, highlighting the delicate balance between geopolitical uncertainties and economic fundamentals in today’s volatile markets.
