Gold Price Prediction: XAU/USD is poised to break below $1,950 as the USD Index reaches a new weekly high

After a massive sell-off during the Asian session, the gold price (XAU / USD) is hovering close to $1,950. The price of gold is expected to continue to decline as concerns of a resurgence in U.S. inflation are rekindled by higher crude prices following the decision of OPEC+ to reduce production. The Producer Price Index will increase as a result of factory proprietors increasing the prices of products and services at factory gates in response to higher oil prices. (PPI). Eventually, inflationary pressures in the United States would increase significantly.

The US Dollar Index has been invigorated by the environment of rising inflation expectations. (DXY). Investors believe that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will have no choice but to raise interest rates, which has caused the USD Index to reclaim its weekly high above 103.00. In May, Fed Chair Jerome Powell may announce an additional 25 basis point (bps) rate increase, which will drive interest rates above 5%.

The abatement of US banking worries is another factor that has a significant impact on the gold price. Investors have digested the short-term hysteria caused by the failure of three mid-sized banks, and they anticipate no further casualties in the near future.

The inability of S&P500 futures to recover losses from the morning session is due to the likelihood that higher oil prices will result in higher operating costs for oil-dependent companies. The alpha produced by 10-year U.S. Treasury yields has surpassed 3.52 percent.