Gold Tumbles as Stronger PMI Data Boosts Rate Hike Odds
The US dollar strengthened after the release of stronger-than-expected PMI data, pushing traders to price in higher odds of another Fed rate hike in October. As a result, gold prices plummeted to $4,286.00 an ounce, down 1.63% on the session.
The September flash U.S. composite PMI rose to 58.4 from 56.0 in August, the highest reading since July 2021. Manufacturing PMI increased to 57.0 from 53.9 and services PMI rose to 58.7 from 56.5.
According to Kitco NewsWire, Fed funds futures moved to price roughly a 66% to 70.9% chance of an October rate hike, up from about 53% earlier in the day. The 10-year Treasury yield jumped to 5.106%, its highest since 2007.
The Strait of Hormuz and US-Iran backdrop turned less constructive for risk assets and more inflationary for the macro trade. Iranian officials signaled that Tehran and Washington remain far apart on terms to end the conflict, while US officials continued to frame diplomacy as possible but unresolved.