The US Dollar continues to recover from the blow dealt by the labour market statistics. A rally in Treasury bond yields is driving the rise in the USD index amid tensions in the Middle East and a resurgence of expectations that the Fed will tighten monetary policy in September. The probability has risen to 50% after a dip to 43% following the US jobs report. The futures market still gives a 33% chance of more than one hike in 2026.
Investors are focusing on the release of US inflation data for July. Factors pointing to a slowdown include productivity outpacing labour costs, the waning impact of tariff effects, and lower oil prices than in May, when CPI indices peaked. Those who believe consumer price inflation will resume its upward trajectory point to geopolitical factors and massive investment in AI technology.
Market sentiment is divided, and gold stands to benefit. Whatever the inflation report may be, the precious metal is capable of capitalising on it. A slowdown in CPI will weaken the US dollar and reduce Treasury yields, benefiting the metal. Conversely, an acceleration in consumer price growth against the backdrop of a clear cooling of the US labour market would point to the development of stagflation. This is traditionally seen as a tailwind for gold.
As a result, there is a sense that the precious metal has overtaken the US dollar as the primary safe haven. It is strengthening in response to news of the escalating conflict in the Middle East more rapidly than the US currency is.
Gold also has support from investors’ flight to safety amid government intervention in the forex market. According to Eurizon Capital, coordinated currency intervention by the US and Japan suggests that USDJPY will not return to its 40-year highs in the coming years. Governments will not give in to speculators. The latter’s resistance is futile.
In fact, the wide interest-rate differential between the Fed and the Bank of Japan, coupled with Tokyo’s dependence on energy imports, is pushing USDJPY higher. As the pair approaches 160, the risks of further intervention increase.
Summary: Gold comes out on top in any inflation scenario: a weak CPI puts pressure on the dollar and yields, whilst a strong one heightens the risk of stagflation. Interventions by the US and Japan are supporting demand for safe-haven assets.