President Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 145% has intensified trade tensions between the U.S. and China, leading to significant market volatility. Investors, seeking safe-haven assets amid fears of a global economic slowdown and potential inflation, have turned to gold, driving its price above $3,200 per ounce—a record high. The tariffs have weakened the U.S. dollar, making gold more attractive to foreign buyers and further boosting demand. Additionally, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts in response to economic uncertainties have contributed to gold’s appeal, as lower interest rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. This article discusses the technical charts for gold to understand the current gold market situation and possible future direction.
The chart below shows gold’s quarterly price movement. The data reveals a clear upward trend in gold prices over the last few quarters. Gold started its upward journey from lower levels in 2024. The first quarter of 2025 showed a sharp price rise, indicating strong investor interest in gold.
The key factor behind this rise is the growing demand for safe-haven assets. Global inflation is still a concern, and many investors are worried about the stability of fiat currencies. Central banks across the world have continued their gold-buying programs. This strategy supports their reserves and reduces exposure to currency risks.
Another important observation from the quarterly chart is the increasing pace of gold’s price growth. The price momentum has been stronger in the recent quarter than in the past. This is a bullish sign for the market. It shows that the buying pressure is sustained and increasing over time.
Moreover, geopolitical tensions have also contributed to this price rise. Uncertainty in international relations, wars, and conflicts always increase volatility in gold prices. The formation of an ascending channel following the breakout from the bull flag pattern indicates sustained bullish momentum. Additionally, the cup and handle formation within the ascending channel further supports a long-term target of $6,000.
The chart below highlights gold’s historical performance against inflation, focusing on two major breakout points that triggered powerful bullish trends. The first breakout appeared in the early 1970s during a surging global inflation. Gold responded strongly, breaking its long-term resistance and starting a historic rally. The chart also shows a large cup pattern formation that began after gold peaked in the early 1980s, followed by a long period of consolidation.
Recently, gold completed the right side of this multi-decade cup and successfully broke above its resistance zone. This second major breakout confirms a bullish pattern for gold in response to growing inflationary pressures. The rising inflation environment has once again provided strong support for gold prices. It repeats the historical pattern of gold acting as a hedge against inflation.
With this recent breakout, gold has entered a new bullish phase. The chart clearly shows that gold and inflation often move together, and history has proven gold’s ability to protect value during high inflation periods. This breakout signals the potential for gold to reach new all-time highs in the coming years, supported by the continuing threat of global inflation.
In conclusion, gold has entered a strong bullish phase driven by rising tariffs, global inflation, and geopolitical tensions. President Trump’s tariff hike on China sparked safe-haven demand and weakened the U.S. dollar, lifting gold prices above $3,200. Technical patterns like the ascending channel and cup and handle formation point to a long-term target of $6,000. Historical trends confirm gold’s role as a hedge against inflation.