Citi: Strait of Hormuz expected to reopen in Q4; short-term gold target price raised to $4,800
Citi regards the resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in Q4 2026 as its core scenario, anticipating that oil prices may decline rapidly following the reopening, thereby alleviating U.S. inflationary pressures, interest rate burdens, and debt stress. The bank maintains its bullish outlook on gold, expecting that weaker real interest rates and a softer U.S. dollar will further support gold prices. It sets the 0–3 month target price for gold at $4,800 per ounce and projects a price of $5,000 per ounce over the 6–12 month horizon.
Non-farm payrolls surge! U.S. job growth in August added 162,000 positions, far exceeding expectations, sharply raising the probability of a September rate hike, with next week's CPI data set to be pivotal.
According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, significantly exceeding the Bloomberg survey median expectation of 55,000 and surpassing estimates from all analysts surveyed. Additionally, data for the previous two months were revised upward, with the July figure (-23,000) being adjusted to a positive value.
Non-farm payrolls unexpectedly surge, lifting the probability of a September rate hike to approximately 60%, triggering simultaneous repricing in U.S. equities and bonds.
U.S. nonfarm payrolls for August significantly exceeded expectations, further widening market分歧 over the Federal Reserve's policy direction in September.
Strong non-farm payrolls data fails to halt rally: Emerging market currencies extend gains for 10 consecutive weeks, marking the longest winning streak since 2007
The appreciation of the yen has weakened the U.S. dollar, while the decline in U.S. Treasury yields has triggered capital reallocation, jointly driving up emerging market assets. Although strong U.S. non-farm payrolls data on Friday briefly sparked market volatility, currencies such as the South African rand and the Mexican peso quickly recovered their losses. Analysts note that market focus has shifted to next week’s U.S. CPI data: if core inflation falls as expected, a pause in Federal Reserve rate hikes is virtually certain, potentially sustaining the bull run in emerging markets.
How does Wall Street view the August non-farm payrolls? Strong employment figures have not ended the suspense over a September rate hike; next week's CPI holds "decisive significance."
The U.S. non-farm payrolls report for August was surprisingly strong, prompting the market to reassess the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September. However, Wall Street does not believe this resolves the policy uncertainty. According to analysts at multiple institutions, while the robust employment data has indeed strengthened the hand of the hawkish camp within the Fed, it is insufficient on its own to determine the outcome of the September monetary policy meeting. The CPI data scheduled for release next week remains the key factor likely to "set the direction." On Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that non-farm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, far exceeding the market expectation of 56,000. Additionally, job gains for the previous two months were revised upward by a combined 55,000, with July's figure being adjusted from a decrease of 23,000.
Gold Price Today: XAU/USD Slides After Hot NFP Revives Fed Hike Bets
Why Are Gold and Silver Down Today, 9/4/26?
Express News | Trump: Employment data far exceeds expectations; the Federal Reserve "should cut interest rates"
U.S. President Trump posted: The newly released employment data is excellent, surpassing all expectations (except mine!). The increase was two to three times higher than expected, and you haven’t seen the full picture yet! U.S. employers added 162,000 jobs in August. Cut interest rates, because America’s creditworthiness is much stronger than it was not long ago! A strong nation means lower interest rates due to its superior credit profile... it’s that simple! We should have the lowest interest rates in the world, just like in the “good old days.” If these countries were not allowed by the United States to enjoy huge trade surpluses—a situation we can halt immediately—they should no longer be regarded as financial “elite” nations! Cut interest rates, or I will cease trade with countries that maintain trade surpluses with the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court has clearly affirmed in that absurd and costly tariff ruling that the “President” has the absolute authority to do so. This is better than tariffs! The Federal Reserve Board, under the leadership of this outstanding new chair, must act wisely, think differently, and be patriotic. High interest rates place the United States at a severely unfair disadvantage, and I will never allow this to happen!
快讯 | 美国8月非农增加16.2万人,远高于预期;失业率为4.1%符合预期
US Aug. Non-Farm Payrolls +162000 Vs +56000 Forecast, Prior +21000; US Aug. Unemployment Rate 4.1% Vs 4.1% Forecast, Prior 4.1%
Will gold shine again? Societe Generale reinstates bullish stance, Deutsche Bank declares "the cavalry has arrived," and leading asset managers are accelerating position building.
Société Générale has clearly reinstated its long position on gold, arguing that the impact of hawkish policies has been priced in and current downside risks are limited. Deutsche Bank confirms that a turning point for institutional capital has arrived, with hedge funds, asset managers, and banks successively increasing their purchases, although positions remain at low levels. Leading asset management firms such as Amundi, Robeco, and Fidelity have increased their gold holdings during the pullback, while structural factors like central bank gold purchases and de-dollarization provide foundational support for gold prices.
The U.S. non-farm payrolls data for August will be released at 20:30 tonight. Bank of America states that the non-farm report is merely a precursor, with the CPI holding the trigger for policy decisions; employment data would need to show a "significant w
The key market driver in tonight’s non-farm payrolls report is whether it can alter expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike in September. If job growth turns negative for a second consecutive month, or if the unemployment rate rises to 4.3%, market pricing may loosen significantly; otherwise, inflation will continue to dominate policy assessments.
“The cavalry has arrived!” Deutsche Bank: A turning point emerges in spot gold fund flows, with hedge funds, asset managers, and banks stepping in to buy
Deutsche Bank’s latest metal flow report indicates that spot gold fund flows have reached an inflection point, with hedge funds, asset managers, and banks stepping in to buy, replacing the commercial and retail segments that had been consistently reducing their positions. At key price levels, $4,300 serves as the trigger for algorithmic selling, while $4,700 acts as the trigger for futures buying. More importantly, discretionary investors remain underweight in spot, futures, and ETF markets, suggesting that institutional positioning may only just be beginning.
Non-farm payrolls to be released tonight! New jobs may total only 56,000; how will the S&P 500 react?
The U.S. nonfarm payrolls report for August is set to be released, with the market forecasting a modest increase of only 56,000 jobs. While labor market conditions remain weak, they have not deteriorated significantly; the Federal Reserve’s policy focus remains on inflation, meaning that soft nonfarm payrolls data does not necessarily imply an interest rate cut. JPMorgan anticipates that different outcomes could lead to markedly divergent trajectories for the S&P 500.
The Fed’s “Megaphone”: Waller’s Stance Shifts Quietly! Leans Toward Holding Steady in September, but Next Week’s CPI Remains a “Critical Threshold”
Timiraos noted that Governor Waller’s policy stance is shifting from cautious hawkishness to an optimistic wait-and-see approach, while emphasizing that this does not constitute a fundamental reversal of his position. The August inflation data, to be released in two weeks, remains a key variable in determining whether interest rates will be raised at the September meeting.
Gold bulls gather momentum! Goldman Sachs sets year-end target of $4,900, with central bank demand as key support
① Goldman Sachs Research's latest forecast projects that gold prices will rise to $4,900 per ounce by the end of 2026, driven by robust demand from central banks seeking to diversify their foreign exchange reserves; ② Meanwhile, the firm warns that investors' use of gold derivatives for hedging could exacerbate price volatility.
The gold bull market is not yet over: UBS Group states that three major structural forces continue to drive up gold prices
UBS Group believes that the traditional pricing relationship between gold and real interest rates has shifted following the freezing of Russia's foreign exchange reserves. Coupled with sustained central bank accumulation, the diminishing effectiveness of equities and bonds as safe-haven assets, and rising U.S. fiscal pressures, gold still has room for further upside.
My Bizarre Day Out at Britain's First Gold-trading Café
U.S. August non-farm payrolls data to be released tomorrow night! Bank of America: Merely an “appetizer”; maintains expectation of a Fed rate hike in September
① Bank of America believes that the upcoming non-farm payrolls report is unlikely to be a decisive factor in determining whether interest rates will be raised in September; ② The bank notes that while a significantly weak non-farm payrolls report could reduce the likelihood of a rate hike, the CPI remains the key indicator for the Federal Reserve's decision on raising rates; ③ The bank maintains its expectation of a rate hike in September.
The yen surged suddenly amid renewed rumors of Japanese intervention, prompting a rebound in gold and silver prices.
The yen strengthened sharply on Wednesday, while the U.S. Dollar Index recorded its largest intraday decline since August 21, with spot gold approaching $4,400. Rumors circulated that Japanese authorities had intervened again, but traders viewed the magnitude of the gain as insufficient to confirm intervention.
Why Are Gold and Silver Up Today, 9/2/26?