TECHNICALS-Spot gold may climb into $3,017-$3,040 range

* For more technical analyses, click TECH/C SINGAPORE, March 14 (Reuters) - Spot gold XAU= may climb into a range of $3,017 to $3,040 per ounce, as it has travelled above a key barrier at $2,979. Wave pattern suggests the development of a wave C from $2,880, which is expected to extend into the range of $3,017 to $3,040, formed by its 138.2% and the 161.8% projection levels. The former resistance at $2,979 now becomes a strong support, which is likely to stop a correction from the current level. A break below $2,979 may trigger a fall to $2,966. On the daily chart, the metal is riding on a wave (5) that could travel into $3,056 to $3,131 range, as pointed by a channel. A rise above $3,010 would confirm the escape of the market from the channel. A duplicated channel on the top would point at a more aggressive target of $3,400. * Wang Tao is a Reuters market analyst for commodities and energy technicals. The views expressed are his own. ** No information in this analysis should be considered as being business, financial or legal advice. Each reader should consult their own professional or other advisers for business, financial or legal advice regarding the products mentioned in the analyses. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ tech https://tmsnrt.rs/43KDQcw xau https://tmsnrt.rs/4bO2URS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Wang Tao; Editing by Rashmi Aich) ((wang.tao@tr.com; +65 6973 8364/9188 4196))