GOLD is under pressure from Treasury bond yields

Gold prices fell on Monday, pressured by rising US Treasury yields and a stronger US dollar, following a series of solid US economic data, including January nonfarm payrolls and ISM Services PMI. Comments from Federal Reserve policymakers that an interest rate cut in March was unlikely also contributed to the decline in bullion prices.

From a technical standpoint, XAU/USD slipped below the 50-day simple moving average following Monday's pullback, but managed to hold above horizontal support at $2,005. For precious metals sentiment to improve, this technical floor must hold; otherwise, sellers may become bolder to start attacking the $1,990 level. On further weakness, attention turns to $1,975.

In the event of a bullish reversal in the coming days, which seems unlikely given the lack of positive catalysts and growing headwinds, the 50-day simple moving average is at $2,032 will be the first line of defense against further advances. Looking further out, the next important ceiling is $2,065, followed by $2,085, the late December high.