Recent U.S. labor data has sent mixed signals. September's Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) increased by 119,000, comfortably surpassing the market expectation of a 50,000 increase. However, the August reading was sharply revised downward, showing a loss of 4,000 jobs instead of the previously reported gain of 22,000. The Unemployment Rate also ticked up to 4.4%, modestly above the 4.3% estimate, reaching its highest level in four years.
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the Dollar's value against a basket of six major currencies, is trading around 100.18. This sees the index hovering near its highest levels since August and revisiting territory last seen on November 5th, reflecting persistent strength in the Greenback.
Wage growth showed moderation, with Average Hourly Earnings rising 0.2% month-over-month (MoM) in September, falling slightly short of the 0.3% expectation and softer than the previous 0.4% rise. On an annual basis, wages expanded by 3.8%, matching the prior reading and marginally beating the 3.7% forecast. Meanwhile, Average Weekly Hours remained stable at 34.2, meeting expectations.
The latest labor market data from the U.S. continues to signal deceleration. The ADP report indicated that U.S. private payrolls recorded a weekly average decline of 2,500 in the four weeks leading up to November 1st, a notable improvement from the steeper 11,250 average loss observed in the preceding period. Separately, August Factory Orders expanded by 1.4% MoM, which met consensus estimates and successfully reversed the 1.3% contraction recorded in July.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller adopted a distinctly dovish tone on Tuesday, characterizing the U.S. labor market as "weak" and "near stalling speed." He suggested that the current restrictive policy appears to be dampening economic activity and reiterated his view that a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut at the December 9-10 meeting would provide "additional assurance" for the stability of the labor market.
Commentary from other Federal Reserve officials remains highly divergent. Vice Chair Philip Jefferson offered cautious, slightly dovish remarks on Monday, acknowledging growing risks to employment. Conversely, Kansas City Fed President Jeffery Schmid argued that the current policy stance is "moderately restrictive," which he deems appropriate to counter demand growth. St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem suggested that rates are now closer to neutral than restrictive, emphasizing the limited scope for easing without risking an overly accommodative stance. In contrast, the Fed's Thomas Barkin offered a more balanced evaluation, noting that "it's hard to declare victory on either mandate" and acknowledging that while the labor market is weakening, it may not weaken much further.

Technical Analysis
Gold (XAU/USD) has entered a clear phase of consolidation following two exceptionally strong bullish impulses. Price action has recently found decisive support near the 200-period Moving Average (MA) on the 4-hour chart, currently located at $4,080, while the 100-period MA sits just below at $4,054.
The price has shown a distinct upward reaction after approaching this zone. If this pattern of support holds true once more, it could trigger a new bullish impulse from this area. Crucially, a key ascending trendline aligns very closely with these moving average levels, adding significant technical pressure for a rally from this support cluster.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently stable at the 49 level, indicating neutral sentiment. The price is also forming a symmetrical triangle pattern that is visibly tightening, suggesting a breakout could be imminent in either direction. Given the prevailing technical factors—specifically the trendline and MA support confluence—bullish positions are favored. Should the price push upward and break the descending trendline resistance of the triangle, it would pave the way for a more extended move higher. However, a breakdown below the ascending trendline support would signal a deeper bearish correction.
Trading Recommendations
Trading direction: Buy
Entry price: 4078
Target price: 4180
Stop loss: 4000
Validity: Dec 03, 2025 15:00:00