What hit gold today and what lies ahead?

Gold after rising sharply beyond $1150 area (our target) to trade as high as $1168, dropped sharply towards $1150 area.

So what has hit gold today

• Key resistance - $1168-70/troy ounce is a key resistance for Gold. Gold bugs were able to defend the area since March, this year before souring in July.
• Profit booking before weekend - Profit booking at key resistance before the week ends might have contributed to Gold's sharp drop today.
• Bears not ready to give in yet - Longer term bears have used the opportunity to go short around key level.
• Dollar selloffs moderated - Dollar which has been hit by massive selloff this week and contributed to Gold's rise, moderated today somewhat.
• Risk aversion eases - Gold which had benefitted from massive risk aversion hitting equities have slightly moderated heading into weekend. S&P500 is unlikely to clear below Asian session low as weekend approaches.

What lies ahead -

• Gold has reached out anticipated target of $1150 mark and to key resistance area. We can expect some fight between bulls (charged up) and bears (long term) around key resistance area.
• So there might be some consolidation ahead before one can win over other. It is better to wait and watch before further moves or positioning.

Gold is currently trading at $1155/troy ounce.