Gold Flat Ahead of US Jobless Claims Release

London (Dec 3)  Gold is flat on Wednesday, as the spot price stands at $1201.10 in the European session. On the release front, there are two key releases – ADP Nonfarm Employment Change and ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI.

Gold prices have taken traders on a roller coaster ride early in the week. On Sunday, gold dropped sharply after Swiss voters rejected a proposal to boost the Swiss National Bank’s gold reserves. Had the motion passed, the SNB would have been required to purchase some 1500 metric tons of gold over five years. Gold prices sank to $1142 per ounce early on Monday, but reversed directions and has posted huge gains, climbing close to 5% on the day. Still, the long-term range for gold remains bearish, as the US economy strengthens and the markets prepare for a rate hike in 2015.

The US manufacturing sector continues to expand, as ISM Manufacturing PMI remained strong in November. The index came in at 58.7 points, close to the previous release of 59.0 points, which marked a three-year high. The positive US manufacturing data stands in sharp contrast to the situation in the Eurozone and China. In the Eurozone, manufacturing PMIs in France, Germany and Italy contracted in November. In China, the world’s second largest economy, Manufacturing PMI edged down to 50.3 points, down from the previous reading of 50.8 points.

Source:  FXstreet