The XAU/USD pair attempts to regain $1,730 prior to Fed Chair Powell's address

Gold price (XAU/USD) gains bids to reestablish intraday high at $1,718 as the US dollar retreats ahead of Thursday's big events. In doing so, the yellow metal extends yesterday's recovery from the one-week low amid weaker yields and a mixed risk profile.

US 10-year Treasury yields extend Wednesday's fall from the highest levels since mid-June to 3.23%, which weighs on the US Dollar Index (DXY), which retreats to 109.50, extending yesterday's losses from the 20-year high.

The recent decline in yields may be attributable to the market's rush into bonds prior to the crucial European Central Bank (ECB) Monetary Policy Meeting and Fed Chair Jerome Powell's speech. However, rumors about Japan's probable involvement to preserve the home currency via the bond market appear to have depressed yields.

Due to Beijing's role as one of the world's largest gold buyers, contradictory news from China should have also contributed to the XAU/USD's comeback.

Three persons with knowledge of the situation were cited by Reuters when they reported encouraging news for China's property sector. Reuters said that "Zhengzhou pledged to restart all halted housing projects within 30 days by utilizing special financing, requiring developers to refund misused funds, and encouraging certain real estate businesses to file for bankruptcy."

Nonetheless, the risk-negative news regarding covid and Taiwan appeared to impose downward pressure on metal prices. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) previously reported, "Shenzhen lowers Hong Kong visitors' admission quota." Reuters' report that Taiwan and the United States are preparing for closer ties further dampens the mood.

While reflecting market sentiment, S&P 500 Futures post modest gains, whilst Asia-Pacific equities remain divided.

In conclusion, the ECB's 75 bps rate hike can limit a short-term decline in the XAU/USD before a new decline, if Powell sounds hawkish. As the ECB's ability to tighten monetary policy is restricted compared to the Fed's, the gold price is likely to remain in the bears' sights. Also, economic concerns originating from Europe are not ruled out, giving gold bears cause for optimism.