Gold Price Prediction: XAU/USD looks daily close for bear pennant confirmation; downward remains preferred

"The non-interest-bearing yellow metal appears vulnerable as Switzerland and the United Kingdom tighten monetary policy in the upcoming session. In the event that tensions between Russia and the West escalate, the dollar may experience more gains, as the flight to safety may continue in full force. In the foreseeable future, XAU/USD appears to be in a lose-lose situation."

"On Wednesday, the gold price temporarily violated the rising trendline support at $1,664, but avoided confirmation of a bear pennant by completing the day near $1,674. A daily closure below the support is required for the bearish continuation pattern to be confirmed. The psychological level of $1,650 will be the initial line of defense, below which buyers will seek a sustained advance into the subsequent support at about $1,642."

"On the other hand, any attempts at a comeback will require acceptance above the current range highs at $1,680." The next obstacle to the upward is positioned near $1,700. Daily closure above the latter is crucial for releasing the additional recovery towards the bearish 21-day moving average (DMA) at $1,704."