Gold prices halt their rise and retreat, non-farm payroll data becomes a key indicator

International gold prices end a five-day rally with a slight pullback, currently quoted at $4280 per ounce, about $100 below the October high, with market sentiment turning cautious.

Focus on two major variables: this week’s dense release of US non-farm payroll and economic data, which directly impacts the Federal Reserve’s rate cut expectations. After last week’s rate cut, officials’ statements are divided, and policy signals have become ambiguous, increasing wait-and-see sentiment.

In the short term, gold prices are experiencing increased volatility and debate, while medium to long-term trends depend on monitoring Federal Reserve policies, US economic data, and geopolitical risks to determine whether they can challenge previous highs.