Gold remains above $5,400, boosted by safe-haven demand despite a firmer US dollar in Europe

    by VT Markets
    /
    Mar 2, 2026
    Gold (XAU/USD) traded above $5,400 in early European hours, its highest level since late January. Risk appetite fell and demand shifted towards safe-haven assets, while the US Dollar rose to its highest level since January 23. Geopolitical tensions increased after the US and Israel carried out a strike on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran’s IRGC Navy said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.

    Market Drivers And Key Catalysts

    US Producer Price Index data released on Friday renewed inflation worries, alongside signs of slower growth. Markets are also watching US data due this week, including ISM Manufacturing PMI, ADP private payrolls, ISM Services PMI, and Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls. Technically, gold’s earlier break above $5,200 remains in place. The MACD is positive and the RSI is 68.88. Support levels are seen at $5,260, then $5,210, with $5,180 below that. Resistance is near $5,390, and a move above it could extend the rise. Given the surge in gold past $5,400, driven by the major military conflict in West Asia, we see this as a strong signal to favor bullish positions. We should consider buying call options or establishing long futures contracts to capitalize on the upward momentum. This move is a direct response to the intense demand for safe-haven assets as the global situation deteriorates. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil supply, is a critical factor that will likely fuel further gains. We’ve already seen Brent crude oil jump 12% to over $105 a barrel in early trading, and we recall how the energy crises of the 1970s created a stagflationary environment where gold thrived. This escalation will feed into inflation for months, reinforcing gold’s appeal as an inflation hedge.

    Risk Management And Event Driven Volatility

    While a strong US dollar presents a headwind, the Federal Reserve appears to be in a difficult position. The high Producer Price Index data we saw last Friday, similar to the stubborn inflation prints throughout 2025, confirms the Fed cannot cut rates without risking an inflationary spiral. This ongoing uncertainty is causing a spike in market volatility, which makes options strategies valuable for navigating the expected price swings. This week’s US economic data, particularly Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls report, will inject significant short-term volatility. We should be prepared for sharp moves around these releases and consider using put options to protect our long positions from any sudden reversals. Even with the bullish momentum, managing risk is crucial when the Relative Strength Index is nearing 70 and markets are reacting this strongly to headlines. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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