On Monday, October 2nd, the United States released the September ISM Manufacturing PMI, recording its highest level since November of the previous year. The data showed that the US manufacturing index for September was 49.0, surpassing market expectations of 47.7 and the previous value of 47.6. Although the reading remained below the 50 threshold, indicating contraction, it exceeded the predictions of most economists, marking a new high since November of the previous year. This positive performance was attributed to the strongest production growth and factory employment expansion since July of the previous year, while the new orders index, though still in contraction, reached a new high in over a year. Furthermore, the subsequent release of the ISM Services PMI recorded 53.6, matching expectations but slightly lower than the previous value of 54.8.
Following that, the Non-Farm Payrolls report also delivered better-than-expected results. On Friday, October 6th, data from the US Labor Department showed that September's non-farm employment increased by 336,000, surpassing expectations of 170,000. The August figure was revised from 187,000 to 187,000. It was more than twice what economists had predicted, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.8%. This data undoubtedly increased pressure on Fed policymakers regarding monetary policy decisions.
Mitrade Analyst
The significant beat in September's ISM Manufacturing and Non-Farm Payrolls data has raised market expectations for a rate hike before the end of the year. Higher interest rates are likely to provide support for the US dollar and put downward pressure on gold. While a short-term rebound in gold seemed unlikely initially, the escalation of the Israel-Palestine conflict driven by safe-haven demand could lead to a recent increase in gold prices. However, if this conflict persists for an extended period and the event is fully priced in by the market, gold may continue to decline.