Unfavorable market sentiment pushes gold (XAU/USD) toward $4,900 due to rising US-EU tensions and de-dollarization

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jan 21, 2026
    Gold prices have skyrocketed, hitting new highs near $4,900. This surge is due to increased demand for safe investments during uncertain market times. The price rose over 2% in just one day and nearly 5% in a week, now standing at $4,860.

    Market Tensions And The Safe Haven Appeal

    Ongoing tensions in the global market, especially between the US and EU, along with a move away from the US dollar, are fueling this demand. Technical indicators show that the market might be overheated, with the Relative Strength Index at 85, which points to a possible correction. Still, there is strong optimism because of the current market conditions. Key technical levels suggest a cap near the $4,991 Fibonacci extension, with a psychological target at $5,000. On the downside, support could be around recent lows of $4,690 and $4,575. The US Dollar’s performance has been mixed against major currencies, showing the strongest results against the Japanese Yen this week. Overall, the US Dollar has weakened against most major currencies, except for a slight gain against the British Pound. This highlights ongoing currency volatility and market adjustments. As always, market risks and uncertainties exist, so caution is essential in financial decision-making. Gold has climbed above $4,800 due to significant risk aversion. The immediate trend is clearly upward, driven by a weakening US dollar and geopolitical tensions, which are overshadowing any warning signals from the technical indicators. However, an RSI near 85 is a strong indication that this rally might be overheated and could reverse sharply.

    Volatility And Strategy Considerations

    The current situation shows that implied volatility in the options market is very high, making straightforward long calls or puts expensive. We experienced similar spikes in volatility during the geopolitical events of 2022 and the banking issues of 2023. Thus, strategies like credit spreads, which benefit from high premiums, could be useful for those expecting a period of consolidation. The theme of reducing reliance on the dollar is not new. Throughout 2023 and 2024, central banks have been significant net buyers of gold. This long-term trend offers a solid foundation against any potential dips in gold prices. Therefore, any price drop is likely to be seen as a buying opportunity by major investors who have been part of this multi-year shift. For traders anticipating a move toward the $5,000 psychological level, consider using bull call spreads to lower entry costs. This captures upside potential while capping risk in case of a sudden pullback after the Davos speech. High volatility makes selling premium an attractive part of this strategy. On the other hand, for those concerned about the overbought signals, buying protective puts is a simple but costly hedge. A more cost-effective strategy could be to set up a bear put spread, aiming for a small pullback to the $4,690 support area. This allows you to prepare for a slight drop without expecting a full market collapse. Keep a close watch on the US Dollar Index, as its decline has significantly fueled gold’s rally. The dollar is particularly weak against commodity currencies like the AUD and NZD, reflecting a “Sell America” strategy. Any signs of stabilization or a reversal in the dollar could signal that gold’s rapid rise is ready to pause. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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