According to BlockBeats, on December 19, Ricardo Evangelista, a senior analyst at ActivTrades, highlighted the market's focus on the tone set by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Evangelista noted that a hawkish stance could lead to an increase in U.S. Treasury yields and strengthen the dollar, which may exert downward pressure on gold prices. Conversely, a more cautious approach might offer some support to gold prices.
The financial markets are closely monitoring Powell's statements as they could significantly impact various asset classes. A hawkish tone typically signals tighter monetary policy, which can result in higher interest rates. This scenario often boosts the dollar's value, making gold less attractive as it becomes more expensive for holders of other currencies. On the other hand, if Powell adopts a more cautious tone, it could indicate a slower pace of interest rate hikes, potentially providing relief to gold prices by maintaining its appeal as a hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.