**Gold Market Trend Analysis:** On December 24, gold prices retreated from a historic high of $4,525.70 per ounce during Asian and European trading hours as some traders locked in profits ahead of the Christmas holiday. Additionally, upbeat U.S. GDP data may exert downward pressure on gold. However, the downside for gold may be limited due to persistent geopolitical uncertainties, particularly tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, which could sustain safe-haven demand. Growing expectations of further Fed rate cuts in 2026—fueled by easing inflation and sluggish job growth—may support gold prices by reducing the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. Trading remains subdued ahead of the holiday, with investors awaiting U.S. jobless claims data for fresh cues.

**Technical Analysis for Gold:** Gold followed expectations yesterday, initially dipping before rebounding. After testing support levels at $4,452 and $4,431, prices surged past the $4,500 psychological barrier to hit a new high. The uptrend remains intact, with key supports at $4,500, $4,470, and the $4,445–$4,450 zone. Given the bullish momentum and thin holiday trading, deep pullbacks are unlikely. Intraday consolidation above these supports is expected before further gains. No clear reversal signals are visible on daily charts, suggesting continued strength. Traders are advised to focus on long positions near $4,470 or $4,445–$4,450, avoiding countertrend shorts. Resistance is eyed at $4,510–$4,530, with support at $4,460–$4,440.

**Crude Oil Market Trend Analysis:** WTI crude edged higher in early Asian trading, hovering around $58.40/bbl, as supply risks—particularly U.S. restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments—underpinned prices. However, demand-side concerns linger amid rising inventories, keeping gains cautious. The market remains in a "supply-risk-supported, demand-capped" phase.

**Technical Analysis for Crude Oil:** On daily charts, oil oscillates near $54.80 with alternating bullish/bearish candles, while the bearish moving average alignment confirms the medium-term downtrend. Hourly charts show prices testing new highs with upward momentum, though MACD divergence hints at weakening bullish energy. Intraday trading is expected to stay bullish, with resistance at $60.0–$61.0 and support at $57.5–$56.5. Strategy favors longs on dips with limited upside shorts.