• Gold treats from $1,835 to test support at the $1,800 area.
• A moderate risk appetite is weighing on demand for the precious metal.
• XAU/USD, approaching the apex of an ascending triangle pattern.

Gold futures are testing support at the $1,800 mark on Wednesday’s European session, after pulling back from Tuesday’s high at $1,833. Bullion prices have been treading water above $1,825 for the last two weeks, following a 12% rally from mid-November lows near $1,600.

Gold loses ground amid a moderate risk appetite

The precious metal has been trading lower on Tuesday, giving away gains after a spike high to $1,835 seen on Tuesday. The moderately positive market mood, triggered by news that China is scrapping quarantine for inbound travelers has lifted the market mood in an otherwise quiet post-Christmas market.

Furthermore, the US Dollar remains on the back foot, with the Dollar Index trading 0.2% lower on daily charts and moving right above the 104.00 level, following a moderately positive opening, which pushed the DXY to session highs at 104.35.

XAU/USD moving in an ascending triangle pattern

From a technical perspective, the daily chart shows the pair approaching the apex of an ascending triangle pattern, limited by a resistance area at $1,825, and trendline support from late-November lows, now around $1,795.

With the MACD indicator in negative territory, a confirmation below the mentioned $1795 would negate the uptrend and boost sellers' confidence to push the pair towards $1765/75 December 6 and 15 lows and November 23 low at $1720.

On the contrary, a run-up above the $1825/35 resistance area would confirm the bullish pattern and set the pair aiming to June high at $1,880 before the $1,900 psychological level.

XAU/USD daily chart

Technical levels to watch