Gold glitters amid global uncertainty

 

Recovered precious metals hold firm since July 1 

Precious metals recovered [during July1 to 3] some of their recent losses this week [June 23-27], bolstered by growing global trade tensions and increasing expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve later this year. Gold, in particular, saw renewed investor interest as safe-haven demand rose on the back of heightened economic uncertainty.    

With just over a week to go before the July 9 deadline for the reimplementation of higher tariffs, President Donald Trump once again stirred markets by threatening a new wave of tariffs on Japanese imports. The threat comes amid ongoing frustration with stalled trade negotiations between the United States and Japan. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that countries could soon face tariff increases ranging from 11% to as high as 50%, up from the temporary 10% level introduced earlier this year.  

Meanwhile, in the United States, the Dollar Index slipped below the 97 marks—its lowest level since February 2022—as investors expressed concern over the country's ballooning fiscal deficit. The decline followed slow progress in the Senate on a massive tax-cut and spending bill. Although the bill eventually passed in the Senate, it is now under review in the House of Representatives. Analysts estimate the legislation could add as much as US$3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade, further weighing on the dollar.

The weakening dollar, combined with geopolitical uncertainty and fears of deteriorating trade relationships, provided a strong backdrop for precious metals. However, gold prices remained in a tight trading range ahead of key U.S. labor market data.  

Traders are digesting the recent ADP employment report, which showed a surprise contraction in private-sector payrolls for June—the first decline in over two years. This unexpected weakness has raised fresh concerns about the strength of the U.S. job market and bolstered the case for a more accommodative monetary policy from the Fed.  

Adding to the complex trade landscape, President Trump announced a new trade agreement between the United States and Vietnam. Under the terms of the deal, American products will gain greater access to Vietnamese markets, while the U.S. agreed to reduce punitive tariffs on Vietnamese goods. Instead of the previously proposed 46% duties, Vietnamese imports will now face a 20% tariff. As the July 9 deadline approaches, the agreement has sparked cautious optimism that further trade deals may be forthcoming, potentially easing broader tensions.  

Overall, the precious metals market remains tightly linked to ongoing macroeconomic developments—from monetary policy expectations and currency movements to shifting trade dynamics. As these factors continue to evolve, investors will be closely watching for cues that could dictate the next move in gold and other precious metal prices.