Gold, Crude Oil Prep For Volatility On ADP, GDP, FOMC Trifecta

 | Jul 30, 2014 06:38AM ET

Talking Points

  • Gold and Silver Set For Volatility With A String Of Top-Tier US Data On Tap
  • Crude Oil Stands To Strengthen On Another Bullish Inventories Report
  • Gold May Extend Recent Declines With Bearish Technical Signals Emerging

Crude Oil and Gold are set for a potentially volatile session with a string of noteworthy events on the horizon out of the US. Traders will be eagerly awaiting the release of ADP payrolls data, US Q2 GDP, as well as the FOMC rate decision which all stand to influence the commodity’s pricing currency, the US Dollar. WTI may be particularly susceptible to swings given the additional guidance offered by the DOE’s weekly inventories report.

Precious Metals Look To US Data For Guidance

Gold and silver are holding steady in late Asian trading, reflecting some hesitation amongst investors ahead of several key pieces of event risk on the calendar. The first in a procession of top-tier US economic data will be the ADP figures. The private measure of jobs added in the US over the month of July will offer an interim gauge of strength in the labor market ahead of the critical NFP data on Friday. An upside surprise could catalyze a spike higher for the greenback (and weakness for gold). However, follow-through likely hinges on a strong second quarter growth reading, and a less dovish tone from the FOMC.

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With a further $10bn ‘taper’ widely expected and likely priced in at this point, the spotlight will be on the statement from policy officials. Evidence of a constructive discussion on a rate rise would offer the greenback the right remedy to sustain a meaningful recovery and not relapse into a stupor. However, recent addresses by policy officials suggest the FOMC has become quite adept at avoiding hints at the timing of an eventual hike. If the July meeting yields a similar result it would likely leave the US Dollar unimpressed, which in turn could ease some of the pressure on the precious metals.

Crude Oil Braces For Volatility With Inventories Data On Tap

The Department of Energy’s Weekly Petroleum Status Report is tipped to reveal the 5th consecutive drawdown for total crude stocks when released over the session ahead. As noted in prior commodities updates the US crude market is at a crossroads. The recent drawdown in stockpiles and ramp-up in refinery utilization suggest the supply glut that had built earlier in the year is being steadily mopped up. Another bullish set of inventories from the DOE could help crude oil recover some of the ground lost over recent weeks.