Prospects of Lower Rates Lifts Gold

As widely anticipated, the Fed did not change its target rate today (July 19). Instead, the Fed set the stage for cuts possibly later this year. Overall, the market's response was a choppy climb to a modestly higher close. A more enthusiastic move by the market may have occurred if the Fed cut rates. Gold's reaction was more favorable, finishing the day higher by over 1%. Generally, the lower interest rates go, the more desirable gold can become as lower rates typically result in a weaker dollar, notes Jeff Hirsch, editor of the Stock Trader's Almanac, www.stocktradersalmanac.com.

"In the above chart, gold's monthly performance from 1975 to 2018 is displayed. Historically, October has been gold's worst month and June is a close second. Historically, after weakness in June, gold has, on average, enjoyed solid gains in July, August and September. Some of this strength in gold is likely due to safe-haven demand during the stock market's worst two months, August and September. Gold's best three months, July to September, could easily be above average this year, especially if the Fed decides to cut sooner rather than later."

Editor's Note: Subscribers to Almanac Investor get a full run down of seasonal tendencies that occur throughout each month of the year in an easy-to-read calendar graphic with important economic release dates highlighted, Daily Market Probability Index bullish and bearish days, market trends around options expiration and holidays. In addition, the Monthly Vital Statistics Table combines stats for the Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq, Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 and puts them all in a single location available at the click of a mouse.

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