Gold prices have collapsed more than 4% off the weekly high with XAU/USD now testing the first majors support zone of interest. The decline constitutes a break of the monthly opening-range and while the threat remains lower, the sell-off is may be vulnerable here at confluence downtrend support.

These are the updated targets and invalidation levels that matter on the XAU/USD technical charts heading into the close of a volatile week.

GOLD PRICE CHART - XAU/USD DAILY

Technical Outlook: In last week’s Gold Price Outlook we noted that the XAU/USD recovery remained vulnerable while below 1900 and to look for a reaction at key support at, “the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the yearly range / September low at 1837/48 with a break there exposing more a significant technical confluence at the 2012 high / 100% extension at 1790/1803- an region of interest for possible downside exhaustion IF reached.” Gold prices broke below lower early in the week with a decline of more than 3.5% now testing this key support zone – we’re looking for a near-term pivot here.

A break / close below 1790 is needed to keep the immediate short-bias viable with such a scenario exposing the 50% retracement at 1764 and critical support at the lower parallel / 100% extension at 1739. Daily resistance now back at 1848 with bearish invalidation lowered to the November monthly open at 1879.

Reference by: Michael Boutros, Technical Strategist with DailyFX