Gold Slides Down After US Jobless Claims Data

Gold inched lower on Friday, decreasing the price of yellow metal to less than $1275.00 an ounce after some key economic releases. The technical bias remains bullish because of a higher high in the recent upside move.

XAU/USD Technical Analysis

As of this writing, the precious metal is being traded near $1274 an ounce. A hurdle can be noted near $1300, a key psychological level ahead of $1357, the high of the last major upside rally on the daily chart and then $1400, the psychological level. A break and daily closing above the $1400 level shall trigger renewed buying interest, validating a rally towards the $1440 resistance zone.

On the downside, a support may be noted around $1270, an immediate horizontal support ahead of $1250, the psychological level as well as another key horizontal support area and then $1200, a major psychological number. The technical bias shall remain bullish as long as the $1200 support area is intact.

US Jobless Claims

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell last week, dropping for a second straight week as labor market conditions tightened further. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits slipped 2,000 to a seasonally adjusted 238,000 for the week ended Nov. 25, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was revised to show 1,000 more applications received than previously reported. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast claims edging up to 240,000 in the latest week. The data included last Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday. Claims tend be volatile around shifting holidays.

Trade Idea

Considering the overall technical and fundamental outlook, buying the precious metal around current levels appears to be a good strategy in short to medium term.