Following a strong breakout, XAUUSD has not surrendered significant gains but has instead maintained its price at elevated levels. A notable observation is that, rather than a sell-off occurring after the rapid rally, the market is demonstrating a solid ability to absorb profit-taking.

The 4,225 level currently acts as a line in the sand for the bulls. If the price pulls back to this area but is quickly pushed back up, it would signal that capital remains ready to support the price and that the uptrend has not lost momentum.

Given that gold continues to be supported by expectations of a less hawkish Fed and the USD has yet to regain clear dominance, I lean towards the scenario where XAUUSD extends its rally to the 4,400–4,435 zone following a brief pause or retest.

In summary, the primary trend remains bullish; the priority now is not to chase the price, but to wait and see if the buyers continue to defend the 4,225 level.