Gold (GC) Analysis, Key-Zones, Setup for Fri (Aug 21)Gold FuturesCOMEX:GC1!MyAlgoIndexBias: Gold settled Thursday at 4,571 on the December contract after tagging a fresh one-month high near 4,600 and fading into the close, then reopened bid near 4,590 as a safe-haven rotation took hold. Equities sold off, the volatility index jumped nearly eight percent, silver ran up over one percent, and the dollar softened, all of which supports the metal. The intermediate trend is up: price holds above the 5, 20, 50 and 100-day averages, the trend-strength read is firmly positive, and the multi-indicator composite reads 72% buy. The one caution is location. Gold is bullish into resistance, pressing a one-month high with the 200-day average waiting overhead at 4,629 and momentum running near overbought. The read into Friday is cautiously bullish, favoring strength on a hold of the 4,558 to 4,571 support band over a chase into the 4,600 ceiling. Friday is a second-tier data day for the metal, with the US flash activity surveys at 09:45 ET the only first-order catalyst. Resistance: 4,600 to 4,604 (one-month high supply shelf) 4,610 (first pivot resistance) 4,627 to 4,629 (crossover zone and 200-day average) 4,644 to 4,649 (standard-deviation band and pivot grouping) 4,674 (upper extension) 4,693 (13-week high) Support: 4,571 (prior settle) 4,565 (Thursday low) 4,558 (daily pivot) 4,519 (first pivot support) 4,498 (lower support band) 4,467 (support base) Primary Setup: The preferred approach is a pullback long into the 4,558 to 4,568 pivot-and-prior-low confluence, with a stop below 4,519 and targets at 4,600, the 4,628 200-day, and the 4,644 to 4,649 grouping. The alternate is a breakout continuation on a decisive hold above 4,610, targeting 4,628 then 4,644 to 4,674 with a stop back under 4,600. A hot 09:45 ET flash activity survey that lifts yields and the dollar is a stand-aside signal for new longs until price stabilizes.