XAU/USD: Price Dynamics Scenarios for February 26, 2026

[Ben Graham]

For the second day in a row, XAU/USD is trading in the range of 5150.00–5200.00. Attempts to consolidate above 5200.00 have yet to gain sustained traction, reflecting investor caution ahead of key geopolitical and macroeconomic events. The sideways price dynamics suggest a balance between the demand for safe assets due to geopolitical risks and support for the U.S. dollar in light of revised Fed rate expectations.

Despite the current consolidation, a broader upward trend remains intact. Following a correction from the historical high around 5598.00, the price established a base around 4400.00, then recovered, forming a structure of higher lows.

In the main scenario, still relying on fundamental assessments, we expect growth to continue. A breakout of Thursday's high at 5204.00 could serve as the first signal for new purchases, followed by a breakthrough of the weekly high at 5250.00.

In the absence of unexpected and unaccounted events, a pullback to support levels of 5100.00 (200 EMA on the 1-hour chart), 5000.00, and 4918.00 (200 EMA on the 4-hour chart) provides additional opportunities to enter long positions at more favorable prices.

Technical indicators (in this case, RSI, OsMA, and Stochastic), despite pointing to short positions on short-term timeframes, remain on the buyers' side on the daily, weekly, and monthly charts, signaling continued potential for price growth.

At the same time, for a full bullish impulse to resume, a confident breakout above 5240.00–5250.00 is required.

Bullish Scenario (escalation of geopolitical risks, weak U.S. inflation data, dollar weakening): A breakout of 5200.00 with nearest targets for growth at 5250.00 and beyond – up to 5500.00.

Bearish Scenario (diplomatic breakthrough U.S.-Iran, strong inflation data in the U.S., rising yields and strengthening dollar): A breakout of the short-term support zone at 5122.00 (144 EMA on the 1-hour chart) – 5100.00 (200 EMA on the 1-hour chart) and a decline to 4804.00 (50 EMA on the daily chart) – 4680.00, from where purchases can be planned again.

Strategically, gold remains supported by ongoing geopolitical instability, trade risks, and expectations of future Fed easing (even if timelines shift).

However, short-term dynamics will depend on key triggers: U.S. inflation and labor market data, yields on 10-year USTs, the outcomes of U.S.-Iran negotiations, and Fed rhetoric.

Support Levels:

5150.00, 5120.00, 5100.00, 5000.00, 4918.00, 4900.00, 4804.00, 4700.00, 4680.00, 4600.00

Resistance Levels:

5200.00, 5205.00, 5220.00, 5250.00, 5300.00, 5400.00, 5500.00, 5600.00, 5700.00

Trading Scenarios:

• Main Scenario: Buy Stop at 5210.00, 5220.00. Stop-Loss at 5150.00, 5120.00. Targets: 5250.00, 5300.00, 5400.00, 5500.00, 5600.00, 5700.00
• Alternative Scenario: Sell Stop at 5150.00, 5120.00. Stop-Loss at 5210.00, 5220.00. Targets: 5100.00, 5000.00, 4918.00, 4900.00, 4804.00, 4700.00, 4680.00, 4600.00

Here, the "Targets" correspond to support/resistance levels. This also does not mean that they will necessarily be reached, but they can serve as a guide when planning and placing your trades.

The material has been provided by InstaForex Company - www.instaforex.com