Following a significant surge in the price of gold earlier this week, the precious metal lost some of its earlier gains as short-term traders raked in some profits. Meanwhile, the price of silver is still slightly higher but well below its previous peak.
Figures show that December silver rose to $50.54 an ounce while December gold futures dropped to $4,113.10, reflecting short-term market volatility. Both metals gained support earlier in the week after reports suggested American legislators were close to ending the country’s recent government shutdown. The bill has since been signed by President Trump.
As the government reopens, delayed economic reports are expected to show weaker economic conditions, raising expectations that the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates at its December meeting.
Lower interest rates typically boost gold and silver by increasing demand and reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets while also weakening the U.S. dollar. A weaker dollar makes dollar-denominated commodities, like precious metals, more affordable for foreign buyers, which in turn, supports global demand.
Gold is still set for its strongest yearly gain since the 70s, after both gold and silver recorded new highs last month. Historically, such conditions have often led to increased investor interest in precious metals as safe-haven assets during periods of economic uncertainty.
The National Federation of Independent Businesses revealed its Small Business Optimism Index dropped from the 98.8 recorded in September to 98.2 last month, its lowest level in half a year. Bill Dunkelberg, the federation’s Chief Economist, explained that small business confidence slipped as owners recorded lower profits and sales.
He added that many businesses are still struggling to find workers, with labor quality remaining the biggest concern.
This comes as more than 30% of small businesses reported that they had opportunities for employment that they couldn’t fill, the same as in the previous two months. This softer data supports the idea that the Federal Reserve might reduce rates of interest in November, which could benefit precious metals prices.
In other markets, the U.S. dollar index is weaker as crude oil continued to trade higher at nearly $61.25 per barrel, and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note is about 4.2%.
Overall, gold and silver are being influenced by a combination of domestic economic developments, labor market challenges, Federal Reserve policy expectations, and global commodity trends.
Investors continue to closely monitor these factors carefully, as any shift in economic indicators or policy signals could further impact precious metals prices in the coming weeks. Companies like Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) will also be monitoring these factors.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Torr Metals Inc. (TSX.V: TMET) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TMET
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