Gold back above $4,000 after plunging on easing haven demand

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices have experienced volatility, with a recent decline below $4,000 per ounce due to progress in US-China trade talks, which has reduced demand for safe-haven assets [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - Gold prices rebounded by 0.9% on Tuesday after a 3.2% drop the previous session, as US and China negotiators reported agreements on tariffs and export controls [2]. - Gold has decreased from a record high of over $4,380 per ounce, but remains up more than 50% year-to-date, supported by central bank purchases and investor strategies to avoid sovereign debt [3]. - Spot gold rose to $4,015.35 per ounce, while silver advanced after a significant loss, and platinum edged lower [6]. Group 2: Expert Insights - Analysts from Citigroup predict that gold prices may decline to $3,800 per ounce in the next three months due to the US's shift towards deal-making with China and changing gold-price momentum [5]. - Chris Weston from Pepperstone Group Ltd. noted the difficulty in predicting the bottom of the gold market, suggesting a tactical approach to buying after price dips [4]. - John Reade from the World Gold Council indicated that central bank demand for gold is not as strong as before, and a deeper correction could be beneficial for professional dealers [4]. Group 3: Federal Reserve Context - The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points in its upcoming policy meeting, which could further influence gold demand as higher yields typically reduce interest in non-yielding assets like gold [6]. - The market is also considering potential candidates to succeed Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which may impact future monetary policy and market sentiment [7].