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Friday Jul 24 2026 02:28
5 min

Gold prices remained under pressure on Friday, July 24, as a stronger US dollar and rising government bond yields reduced demand for the non-yielding precious metal.
At the time of writing, spot gold was down approximately 0.15% at $4,043.12 per ounce during Asian trading. Live prices fluctuated around $4,040–$4,050 as the market consolidated following Thursday’s sharp decline.
The latest decline came after gold briefly reached a two-week high of $4,165.87 earlier in the week. The metal subsequently surrendered most of that advance as stronger US economic data, higher oil prices and renewed interest-rate concerns changed the market’s short-term outlook.
Gold is therefore entering the final session of the week close to the lower end of its recent range, with buyers attempting to defend the important $4,000 area.
The US dollar was one of the main factors weighing on gold prices.
The dollar climbed to a three-week high against a basket of major currencies as investors reacted to stronger-than-expected US labour market data and rising global risk. US initial jobless claims fell to 187,000 in the week ending July 18, compared with market expectations of 212,000.
A resilient labour market may give the Federal Reserve more room to keep interest rates elevated or consider another increase if inflation remains persistent.
A stronger dollar typically makes dollar-denominated gold more expensive for buyers using other currencies. This relationship helped offset the safe-haven demand that might normally emerge during periods of geopolitical tension.
The dollar’s strength was also supported by its own defensive appeal. Investors sought liquidity in the US currency as Middle East tensions, higher energy prices and new trade measures increased uncertainty across global markets.
US Treasury yields also moved higher as investors reassessed the inflation and interest-rate outlook.
The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose to approximately 4.71% on July 24, extending its increase from the previous session. The 30-year yield was also trading near its highest level in almost two decades.
Higher yields increase the potential return available from government bonds. This can reduce the relative attraction of gold because bullion does not pay interest or provide a regular yield.
The combination of a firmer dollar and higher bond yields has consequently become a stronger influence on gold than geopolitical safe-haven demand.
Gold traders are now preparing for the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting on July 28–29.
The Federal Reserve is expected to assess whether higher energy costs, tariffs and resilient economic activity could keep inflation above its target. Several policymakers have recently expressed concern about persistent price pressures, increasing speculation that the central bank may need to maintain a restrictive policy stance.
The official Federal Reserve calendar confirms that the rate decision will be announced on July 29, followed by a press conference.
Before the meeting, markets will monitor Friday’s preliminary US manufacturing and services PMI figures, alongside new home sales data. Stronger readings could reinforce expectations of higher interest rates and add pressure to gold. Weaker figures could reduce Treasury yields and provide the metal with some support.
Gold’s immediate technical picture remains cautious following its rejection from $4,165.87.
The first support area lies around $4,039–$4,040, near the latest intraday low. A sustained move below this region could expose the psychological $4,000 level.
The $4,000 mark has repeatedly attracted buying interest, making it an important short-term reference point. However, a decisive break below it could shift attention towards the late-June lows around $3,960.
On the upside, the 20-day moving average near $4,070 represents the first resistance area. Gold would need to recover above this level before challenging $4,100. Beyond that, the recent two-week high around $4,166 could become the next major barrier.
Gold’s direction on July 24 is likely to remain closely connected to movements in the US dollar, Treasury yields and crude oil prices.
Holding above $4,000 may allow the metal to continue consolidating despite the challenging interest-rate environment. A decline in the dollar or Treasury yields could support another attempt to recover towards $4,070–$4,100.
Conversely, further gains in oil prices could intensify inflation concerns and push bond yields higher. Under that scenario, gold may struggle to maintain its current support despite continued geopolitical uncertainty.
With the Federal Reserve meeting approaching, short-term volatility may remain elevated. The market’s focus is shifting from whether gold can benefit from geopolitical risk to whether inflation and monetary policy will continue to favour the US dollar and interest-bearing assets.
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