Spot gold prices fell $399.35 on Monday, reaching a 17-week low of $4099.12. This extended last week’s $523.12 loss. Selling pressure mounted after gold broke below a long-term trend line that had been in place since late October.
The metal also failed to hold a 50% technical level at $4744.34. Early Monday, traders pushed prices past a 61.8% level at $4427.82. A key support cluster now ranges from $3886.46 to $3932.42, marked by a 52-week moving average, a long-term trend line, and an October 31 bottom.
Rising Treasury yields are the biggest factor weighing on gold prices. When 10-year yields climb, investors often choose guaranteed returns from bonds over non-yielding gold. Capital is currently moving from gold into interest-bearing assets.
Yields are rising because inflation remains high, causing bond markets to adjust. The Federal Reserve’s timeline for interest rate cuts keeps getting delayed. This ‘higher for longer’ interest rate outlook is unfavorable for gold.
Traders are cashing out after gold’s extended rally. There is no new geopolitical shock or Fed policy shift to attract safe-haven buyers. Sellers currently control the market on any price bounces.