Gold Up as U.S. Jobs Report Reinforces Rate-Cut Bets

Credit: Reuters

Spot gold gained 0.2% to $4,310.21 per ounce, as of 01:48 p.m. ET (18:48 GMT). U.S. gold futures settled 0.1% lower at $4,332.3.

The U.S. dollar (.DXY), opens new tab fell to a two-month low, making greenback-priced bullion more affordable for overseas buyers. Benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yields also edged lower.

gold vs dollar dec 16

"(The) data gives the Fed more reason to cut rates and if they cut rates, that's bullish for gold ... that's the way the market's interpreting it right now," said RJO Futures senior market strategist Bob Haberkorn.

U.S. job growth rebounded in November, but the unemployment rate was at 4.6% in the backdrop of economic uncertainty stemming from President Donald Trump's aggressive trade policy. A Reuters survey of economists had estimated an unemployment rate of 4.4%.

Last week, the Federal Open Market Committee had announced a quarter-point rate cut, and Chair Jerome Powell's accompanying comments were perceived as less hawkish than expected.

U.S. rate futures still expect two cuts of 25 basis points each in 2026, pricing in 59 bps of easing next year. Non-yielding gold tends to thrive in a low-interest rate environment.

Investors await November's Consumer Price index, due on Thursday, and Personal Consumption Expenditures index, due on Friday.

If gold finishes 2025 above $4,400, then it could see $4,859-$5,590 in 2026, said Alex Ebkarian, COO at Allegiance Gold, and added that silver could retest the $50/oz level next year.

Spot silver fell 0.3% to $63.75 an ounce, retreating from a record high of $64.65 on Friday. Platinum rose 4% to $1,854.95, its highest level since September 2011, and palladium gained 2.5% to $1,606.41, hitting a two-month high.

"Platinum group metals are breaking out as supply tightens and demand expands," Ebkarian noted.

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