Gold prices have been under pressure in recent trading sessions, pressured by receding expectations for another U.S. interest-rate cut next month. Prices briefly slipped below $4,000 an ounce before trimming losses following a three-day slide, per Bloomberg, as mentioned on Yahoo Finance.Investors are awaiting key data delayed by the U.S. government shutdown, while several Federal Reserve officials warned against easing policy — though Governor Christopher Waller expressed his support for a cut. Meanwhile, ...

Core Insights - Gold has experienced significant price increases, climbing 26.62% over the past six months and 61.51% year to date, with a notable 15.14% gain in the last month alone [1][2] - Market expectations of further Federal Reserve rate cuts and increasing demand for safe-haven assets are likely to support gold's price growth into 2026, with projections suggesting it could reach $5,000 [2][4] Market Dynamics - The weakening U.S. dollar, driven by anticipated interest rate cuts, has made gold more affordable for international buyers, contributing to its price rise [6] - Ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China are prompting investors to seek refuge in gold, further enhancing its appeal [5] Investment Strategies - A long-term passive investment strategy is recommended for gold ETF investing, allowing investors to capitalize on potential short-term price corrections as buying opportunities [8] - Investors are advised to consider allocating up to 15% of their portfolios to gold, as suggested by notable investors like Ray Dalio, which contrasts with traditional advice of limiting such allocations [10] ETF Options - For physical gold exposure, investors can consider ETFs such as SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM), with GLD being the most liquid option [13] - Gold miners ETFs, like VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM), provide access to the gold mining sector, which can amplify gains and losses compared to direct gold investments [15]

Core Viewpoint - The market is experiencing a rotation from technology stocks to defensive sectors, and there is potential for a shift from debt securities to precious metals, particularly gold, due to anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [1][2][3]. Market Reactions - Following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech, the S&P 500 rose by 1.52%, nearing its all-time high, while gold prices are expected to rise as investors move away from fixed income assets [2][3]. Gold Market Dynamics - Gold has been trading between $3,500 and $3,180 since reaching a record high in April, with expectations of a bullish trend as the Federal Reserve revises its monetary policy [4][5]. - The U.S. dollar has weakened by 10.69% from its year-to-date high of $109.98 to $98.22, which historically correlates with rising gold prices [5][6]. Geopolitical Factors - Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine and military actions in Gaza, are expected to increase demand for safe-haven assets like gold [6]. Price Forecasts - UBS Group has raised its gold price target to $3,600, citing macroeconomic risks and strong investment demand for gold ETFs and central banks [7]. Gold-Backed ETFs Overview - **SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)**: The largest gold ETF with $102.72 billion in assets under management (AUM), has gained nearly 597% since inception [9][10]. - **iShares Gold Trust (IAU)**: Smaller than GLD with $48.41 billion in AUM, has outperformed GLD with a gain of over 648% since inception [13][14]. - **SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM)**: Newer ETF with $16.3 billion in AUM, has gained nearly 168% since launch, offering the lowest expense ratio at 0.01% [15][16].

Core Viewpoint - Gold is experiencing a resurgence in momentum due to fears of a U.S. economic slowdown, weak labor data, and expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, leading to a rise of over 3% in gold prices over four days [1][5]. Economic Data - The U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs in July, significantly below the expected 104,000, with prior months' job gains revised down by 258,000, raising recession fears [3]. - The services sector index fell to 50.1 in July from 50.8 in June, indicating a near standstill in business activity due to weak demand and rising costs [4]. Federal Reserve Rate Cuts - The weak economic data has increased the likelihood of the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates in September, with a 92% probability indicated by market tools [5]. - Lower interest rates enhance the attractiveness of gold as a non-yielding asset compared to fixed-income investments [5]. Tariffs and Safe-Haven Buying - The Trump administration's recent tariff hikes, ranging from 15% to 40% on various countries, have spurred safe-haven buying of gold [6]. - The inflationary pressures from these tariffs are expected to bolster gold's status as a hedge against rising prices [7]. Currency and Central Bank Activity - A weaker U.S. dollar and increased central bank purchases are contributing to the rise in gold prices, with 95% of central banks expecting to increase their gold reserves in the next year [8]. Gold Price Forecasts - Citigroup has raised its 3-month gold price forecast to $3,500 per ounce from $3,300, citing economic deterioration, rising inflation, and changing tariffs [9]. ETFs Performance - Gold ETFs such as SPDR Gold Trust ETF (GLD), iShares Gold Trust (IAU), and others are expected to perform well due to rising gold prices [2][10]. - SPDR Gold Trust ETF has an AUM of $103 billion and trades about 9 million shares daily, while iShares Gold Trust has an AUM of $33 billion with 6 million shares traded daily [11][12]. - Other notable ETFs include SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (AUM: $16.2 billion), abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (AUM: $5 billion), and iShares Gold Trust Micro (AUM: $3.3 billion) [13][14][15]. Conclusion - Given the prevailing economic uncertainty and potential Fed rate cuts, interest in gold ETFs is likely to remain strong in the upcoming months [16].