XAU/USD Near Record Highs: Key Data AheadGold (XAU/USD) Technical Outlook – October 3, 2025
1. Macro & News Context
Gold is holding near record highs, heading for its seventh consecutive weekly gain, supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue cutting rates and by concerns around the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Spot prices have recently tested the ₹3,890–3,900 region and are now consolidating around ₹3,860.
Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) – Typically scheduled for 18:00 IST on the first Friday of the month, the September jobs report is likely to be delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown.
Key event to watch today:
ISM Services PMI (September) will be released at 19:30 IST. Since ISM data is privately produced, it will be published regardless of the shutdown and may serve as the main volatility catalyst in today’s U.S. session. 【ISM】
Labor market signals: Challenger job cut data showed lower layoffs in September, but planned hiring at the lowest level since 2009, reinforcing a softer employment backdrop. Combined with the Fed’s recent 25 bps rate cut (to 4.00%–4.25%), this continues to support the bullish gold narrative.
USD trend: The dollar has weakened broadly this week, aligning with market bets on further monetary easing. This backdrop provides an additional tailwind for gold.
2. Technical Landscape (H1 Chart)
The attached chart highlights key technical zones and a completed Harmonic XABCD pattern on the 1H timeframe:
Support levels:
Near-term: ₹3,844–3,841
Deeper: ₹3,827 (intraday pivot), ₹3,792 (strong low)
Strategic: ₹3,764–3,770 (Bullish Order Block)
Resistance levels:
Immediate: ₹3,865
Strong supply: ₹3,880–3,890 (Bearish Order Block)
Extended target: ₹3,930–3,940 (Sell Scalping | Fibo zone)
Momentum: After bouncing from point D of the harmonic structure, gold has been forming higher lows (HL). Price currently sits above the longer-term moving average and is testing the shorter-term average, suggesting a constructive short-term bias as long as supports hold.
3. Trade Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Buy-the-dip (preferred bias)
Entry zone: ₹3,844–3,841
Stop loss: Below ₹3,827 (safer: below ₹3,792)
Targets:
₹3,865 (first take-profit)
₹3,880–3,890 (major supply)
Stretch: ₹3,930–3,940
Rationale: Higher low formation, bullish macro backdrop, aligned with strong weekly uptrend.
Scenario 2 – Countertrend short at resistance
Trigger zone: ₹3,880–3,890 (Bearish OB)
Confirmation: Rejection candles (H15–H1) such as wicks, engulfing, or failed breakout.
Stop loss: Above ₹3,895–3,900 (or above ₹3,945 if price spikes into the ₹3,930–3,940 fib zone).
Targets: ₹3,865 → ₹3,844 → ₹3,827
Rationale: Potential liquidity sweep ahead of ISM, with profit-taking likely near supply zones.
Scenario 3 – Breakdown through support
Trigger: 1H close below ₹3,841
Path: ₹3,827 → ₹3,792 (Strong Low) → ₹3,764–3,770 (Bullish OB)
Rationale: Loss of intraday structure would flip bias short until major demand zones.
4. How to Trade Around Today’s Data
If NFP is indeed delayed, the 18:00 IST slot may bring limited volatility.
Focus instead on the ISM Services PMI at 19:30 IST, which could trigger sharp swings in both USD and gold.
Adjust position sizing: Expect spread widening and slippage around the release. Reduce leverage or scale into positions.
5. Risk Management
Limit risk per trade to 0.5–1% of account equity.
Avoid chasing price once levels are tested; wait for H15–H1 candle closes for confirmation.
Monitor the U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) and Treasury yields – further dollar weakness would reinforce bullish gold setups.
🔑 Key Takeaway
Gold remains structurally bullish in the broader trend, with immediate support at ₹3,841–3,844 critical to maintain upside momentum. Watch for reactions around ₹3,880–3,890 and ₹3,930–3,940. With NFP possibly delayed, the ISM Services PMI at 19:30 IST will be today’s most important catalyst for directional moves.
