On April 16, gold prices experienced significant volatility within a broad range. The Asian session opened with a surge to $4,870, followed by a swift retreat back above $4,800. Trading during the European and U.S. sessions was relatively subdued, with prices oscillating approximately $20 around the $4,800 level. The session concluded with gold settling at $4,790, forming a small bearish candlestick on the daily chart.
As of Thursday, April 16, gold has continued to trade within a confined range, reflecting a delicate phase of consolidation near recent highs. Market sentiment is being pulled in multiple directions: expectations regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations are fluctuating, inflation data shows signs of cooling while oil prices remain elevated, and the Federal Reserve's policy path remains unclear. These intertwined factors have confined gold to a narrow trading band between $4,780 and $4,870.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the war with Iran is "nearing its conclusion," but simultaneously suggested that U.S. military actions would persist if necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This dual messaging—offering signals of de-escalation while keeping military options open—has led to divergent market interpretations. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve's Beige Book highlighted the profound economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, reinforcing widespread expectations that the central bank will maintain its current stance in the April meeting. Consequently, a continuation of range-bound trading for gold is anticipated.
From a technical perspective, although gold is trading at elevated levels, the outlook for sustained strength is not robust. In the short term, prices may hold near current highs under favorable conditions, but a reversal remains a possibility. Intraday analysis suggests continued consolidation, with future adjustments dependent on incoming news and U.S. dollar movements. On the hourly chart, key resistance is observed in the $4,850-$4,870 zone, while support is seen around $4,800-$4,790. The technical bias leans towards a potential decline; a break below $4,790 could see a retest of support near $4,750/$4,740.
In summary, the market is characterized by a fierce clash between bullish and bearish factors, resulting in unclear direction and a phase of high-level oscillation. Operationally, a strategy of "selling high and buying low" is recommended. Consider long positions near key support levels and short positions near key resistance levels, ensuring strict stop-loss discipline. A measured, steady approach is advised to secure tangible returns.
Today's operational suggestions: Gold: Trade within the $4,780-$4,880 range. Set a 10-point stop-loss and target a 60-80 point profit.
Key economic data and events to watch today, Thursday, April 16: 19:30 ECB publication of the March monetary policy meeting accounts 20:30 U.S. Initial Jobless Claims for the week ending April 11 20:30 U.S. Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index for April 20:35 Speech by Fed's Williams 21:15 U.S. Industrial Production MoM for March 22:35 Speech by Fed Governor Milan