Since the shock increase and decrease on Monday following the speeches of Fed officials, the gold price (XAU/USD) has had almost no significant fluctuations, fluctuating around 2,420 USD/ounce.
Many experts believe that the reason gold does not fluctuate much after officials' hawkish speeches is because the Fed's monetary policy only has a secondary impact on gold prices. Currently, investors are still concerned about inflation risks, economic instability along with geopolitics and that makes them rush into this precious metal to hedge against risks.
According to data from the World Gold Council (WGC), since the beginning of the year, gold prices have increased more than 16%, reaching a record high of 2,450 USD/ounce earlier this week. Some experts believe that gold prices will increase further. Citibank analysts recently optimistically commented that gold could reach 3,000 USD/ounce within the next 6 - 18 months.
Despite that optimism, most are not sure when gold will hit the $3,000/ounce mark. The driving force that can bring gold to that level is probably the "nod" to loosen monetary policy from the Fed.