Published: 2017.01.27. Gold falls to 2-1/2 week lows on stronger dollar

Gold falls to 2-1/2 week lows on stronger dollar - Preview

Gold prices fell to two-and-a-half week lows on Friday, affected by a stronger dollar and as concerns surrounding Donald Trump’s policy decisions began to subside.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery were down 0.64% at $1,182.85, the lowest since January 11.

The February contract ended Thursday’s session 0.67% lower at $1,189.80 an ounce.

Futures were likely to find support at $1,156.30, the low from January 4 and resistance at $1,202.80, Wednesday’s high.

Demand for gold weakened as sentiment on the greenback improved after Trump suggested the implementation of a 20% tax on Mexican goods to pay for a border wall.

The comments came after the U.S. President on Thursday ordered construction of a U.S.-Mexican border wall and punishment for cities shielding illegal immigrants.

Donald Trump was also planning 'extreme vetting' of visa applications and a temporary ban on virtually all refugee admissions into the U.S.

The dollar had been under heavy pressure since Donald Trump’s inauguration last Friday amid concerns over a lack of clarity on his economic policies and fears that his protectionist trade stance could hit corporate profits and act as a drag on growth.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a trade-weighted basket of six major currencies, was up 0.20% at 100.72, off the previous session’s seven-week low of 99.77.

A stronger U.S. dollar usually weighs on gold, as it dampens the metal's appeal as an alternative asset and makes dollar-priced commodities more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Demand for the safe-haven precious metal also remained under pressure since the Dow topped 20,000 for the first time on Wednesday amid optimism over Trump’s policies and a solid round of corporate earnings.

Market participants were looking ahead to U.S. economic growth data, as well as reports on durable goods orders and consumer sentiment, due later in the day.