Rising Yields Complicate the Gold Setup
The most notable development last week was the move in U.S. Treasurys. The 10-year yield rallied to 4.186%, its highest level since September 2025, closing up 0.047 on the week.
That rise would typically act as a headwind for bullion, and it likely contributed to gold pausing just below last week’s peak. Traders noted that the Fed’s divided vote on its third consecutive rate cut raised questions about the pace of easing in 2026, and the market responded by pushing yields higher rather than lower.
With the 10-year sitting just off multi-month highs, any further firming this week could temporarily slow gold’s upside attempts.
Dollar Weakness Remains a Supportive Offset
Despite the rise in yields, the U.S. dollar moved in the opposite direction, slipping to multi-month lows and offering consistent support for gold. The disconnect between stronger yields and a weaker dollar gave traders a unique setup: gold faced pressure from the bond market but continued to attract demand from overseas buyers taking advantage of favorable currency conditions.
As long as the dollar stays soft, gold retains a tailwind even in the face of elevated Treasury yields.
Jobs and CPI Data Take Center Stage
This week’s data will shape how traders interpret the Fed’s next steps. Payrolls are expected to show flat hiring in October and a modest 50,000 increase in November, with unemployment edging up to 4.5%.