Gold inched higher on Friday, increasing the price of the yellow metal to more than $1290.00 an ounce following 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 $1292 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 $1288, an immediate horizontal support ahead of $1280, the 50% fib 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 to more than a one-month low last week as claims in Texas and Florida continued to decline after being boosted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits decreased 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 243,000 for the week ended Oct. 7, the lowest level since late August, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Data for the prior week was revised to show 2,000 fewer applications received than previously reported.

A Labor Department official said Harvey and Irma along with Hurricane Maria affected claims for Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. In addition, claims for Virginia were estimated.

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.

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