Gold shows little reaction to widely expected 0.25% Fed rate hike

Gold prices are moderately higher in afternoon U.S. trading Wednesday and have shown little initial reaction to the U.S. central bank raising its main interest rate by a small amount, which was fully expected by the marketplace. August gold was last up $8.70 at $1,972.40 and September silver was up $0.181 at $25.005.

The just-released U.S. data point of the week, if not the month, saw the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) raise the Fed funds rate by 25 basis points, to a range of $5.25% to 5.50% and at a 22-year high. The FOMC statement said U.S. economy is growing moderately but job gains have been "robust." Markets showed very little initial reaction. However, the marketplace will closely scrutinize Fed Chair Powell's remarks at his press conference for clues on the trajectory of Fed monetary policy in the coming months. Powell's press conference may be the bigger markets-mover this afternoon. Traders want to see if Powell continues to lean hawkish on U.S. monetary policy, or if he eases up a bit given the tamer U.S. inflation readings recently.

U.S. stock indexes are mixed in afternoon trading

 U.S. dollar to weaken as BOE and ECB play catch-up with the Fed, but it will remain the world's reserve currency – Invesco's Hooper

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index weaker. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are weaker and trading around $79.00 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.887% and moved very little after the Fed rate increase and FOMC statement.

Technically, August gold futures bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage but need to show fresh power soon to keep it. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart, but just barely. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at today's high of $1,976.30 and then at the July high of $1,989.80. First support is seen at today's low of $1,963.20 and then at this week's low of $1,951.60. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5

September silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A four-week-old price uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $26.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.00. First resistance is seen at the July high of $25.475 and then at $26.00. Next support is seen at this week's low of $24.425 and then at $24.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

September N.Y. copper closed down 155 points at 390.00 cents today. Prices closed near mid-range today. The copper bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at the July high of 395.40 cents and then at 396.40 cents. First support is seen at Tuesday's low of 384.45 cents and then at last week's low of 378.10 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Last week gold jumped close to the psychological threshold of $2,000 before slowing down on Thursday and Friday, while the US dollar showed recovery signals. Despite this time, the price of bullion remained above $1,950. Overall, the trend for the gold price still appears positive. Investors are, once again, in a wait-and-see mode. Indeed, we have just entered a week with a very busy macroeconomic agenda that could break the recent low volatility scenario.

The focus will be on central banks, starting with the FOMC meeting on Wednesday, at which the Federal Reserve is expected to announce a rate hike from 5.25% to 5.50% after last month’s pause. On Thursday, the European Central Bank will likely move in the same direction, raising rates from 4.00% to 4.25%, while on Friday morning, the Bank of Japan will hold its traditional conference. Any dovish surprise, particularly from the Fed, could be positive for gold, with good chances of seeing a new attack to the $2,000 mark. Vice versa, if the US central bank opens the door to new raises (after the one already expected by the markets), stocks and gold could be negatively impacted.

The week’s busy agenda also includes the preliminary release of the US Q2 GDP and the initial jobless claim. Analysts expect GDP growth of 1.8% (compared to the previous +2.0%), while the jobless requests should remain steady or slightly grow. These data will be strictly monitored by the Fed for its next monetary policy decision and, of course, by gold traders looking for new catalysts that could help bullion continue its rally.

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold, silver weaker as USDX continues its rebound

Gold and silver prices are moderately lower in midday U.S. trading Monday, pressured by the U.S. dollar index continuing its recovery after hitting a 15-month low last week. Focus of the marketplace is on a key central bank decision at mid-week. August gold was last down $4.50 at $1,962.00 and September silver was down $0.245 at $24.61.

The U.S. data point of the week is the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting that begins Tuesday and ends Wednesday afternoon with a statement. Most market watchers believe the Fed will raise the main U.S. rate, the Fed funds rate, by 0.25%. As usual, the marketplace will closely scrutinize the FOMC statement and Fed Chair Powell's remarks at his press conference for clues on the trajectory of Fed monetary policy in the coming months.

A Barron's news headline today reads: “Tech earnings, Fed rate call, inflation data—expect crucial answers this week."

Asian and European stock markets were mixed in quieter overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are mixed at midday. The U.S. stock indexes are hovering near their highs for the year.

Kitco daily macro-economic/business digest – July 24

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index firmer. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are higher and trading around $79.00 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.837%.

Technically, August gold futures bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage but need to show fresh power soon to keep it. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart, but just barely. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at today's high of $1,969.80 and then at Friday's high of $1,975.90. First support is seen at last week's low of $1,958.10 and then at $1,950.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5.

September silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. A four-week-old price uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $26.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.00. First resistance is seen at today's high of $24.89 and then at $25.00. Next support is seen at today's low of $24.425 and then at $24.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

September N.Y. copper closed up 310 points at 384.90 cents today. Prices closed near the session high today. The copper bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field amid choppy trading. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at 388.85 cents and then at 396.40 cents. First support is seen at last week's low of 378.10 cents and then at 374.25 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Eyes on the Fed, the ECB, and the BOJ

Next week, markets will be digesting the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan's monetary policy statements.

There was a lot of optimism this week that the Fed was close to being done with its tightening cycle despite Powell's promises of at least two more rate hikes this year.

"The Fed is almost certain to hike its policy rate by 25bp to between 5.25% and 5.50% at next week's FOMC meeting, but we increasingly believe that will prove to be the peak," said Capital Economics chief North America economist Paul Ashworth.

Behind this optimism was June's inflation data, which showed inflation sharply cooling in the U.S. The consumer price index rose 3% last month — the slowest pace in over two years. And the core CPI measure, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, was up 4.8%, marking the slowest advance since 2021.

"Despite the 'higher for longer' rhetoric from officials, a more marked decline in core inflation and easing in labor market conditions in the second half of this year will eventually persuade the Fed to pivot and cut rates aggressively next year," Ashworth noted Friday.

For next week's FOMC statement, analysts will pay close attention to any changes to the inflation narrative and how strongly the Fed maintains its tightening bias.

"In his press conference, Chair Jerome Powell may even go as far as to stress that additional rate hikes this year are still necessary," Ashworth said. "Markets are unconvinced, however, and broadly agree with our view that the Fed is almost done tightening."

Before the Fed can signal that it's done raising rates, there will be a period of uncertainty and data dependence, said TD Securities senior commodity strategist Ryan McKay. And for gold, it could mean a pause before the next move higher.

"Speculators have been unwilling to fully buy into the bullish gold narrative," McKay said Friday. "Indeed, discretionary traders and investors have thus far remained on the sidelines for now. But, this also offers the potential for additional upside should Fed expectations turn more dovish, and this cohort begins deploying their dry-powder."

The ECB is also expected to raise rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, with analysts paying close attention to ECB President Christine Lagarde's comments. Meanwhile, the BOJ is projected to keep rates steady and its yield curve control unchanged.

"It seems that while the BOJ stands pat, the other major central banks are tightening, and that should continue to drive that interest rate differential trade," Moya pointed out.

Data next week

Tuesday: U.S. CB consumer confidence

Wednesday: Fed decision, U.S. new home sales,

Thursday: ECB decision, U.S. jobless claims, U.S. durable goods orders, U.S. GDP Q2, U.S. pending home sales

Friday: BOJ decision, U.S. PCE Price Index

By

Anna Golubova

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Market participants brace for the potential of more hikes after next week

Members of the Federal Reserve tend to keep their future actions close to their chest revealing little insight as to any upcoming revisions to their aggressive monetary policy that has been in play since March 2022. While they have announced that they plan to implement two more quarter-percent rate hikes by the end of the year, many investors, economists, and analysts believe that next week’s rate hike will mark a conclusion to the aggressive campaign the Fed has undertaken to reduce inflationary pressures.

The CME’s FedWatch tool has conveyed an exceedingly high probability of a rate hike this month but is predicting a high probability that the next rate hike could be the last by the Federal Reserve this year. The probability that the Fed will raise rates next week has grown from 96.7% a week ago, to 99.2% yesterday. Today the CME’s probability indicator is now predicting a 99.8% probability that the Fed will raise rates next Wednesday.

At the same time if you look out to the three remaining FOMC meetings scheduled for this year there is a reasonable possibility that they will let rates stand between 5 ¼% and 5 ½% for the remainder of the year. The likelihood now stands at 84.9% that the Fed will pause and leave rates at their current levels in September, followed by a 70.8% probability that they will continue to maintain those levels in November, and a 65.3% probability that by the end of this year, the Federal Reserve’s benchmark terminal rate will stand pat between 5 ¼% and 5 ½%.

The question becomes will the written statement released after Wednesday’s meeting or comments made during the press conference by Chairman Powell allude to the potential that their aggressive rate hikes may be concluding? Members of the Federal Reserve especially the chairman is very guarded when it comes to monetary policies in recent history Powell’s statements might not express that possibility or even mention whether such discussions were on the table between Fed members during next week’s critical FOMC meeting.

It is this uncertainty that is once again moving gold to lower ground while at the same time strengthening the dollar. As of 6:20 PM EDT, gold futures basis the most active August contract is down $7.00 and fixed at $1963.90. Today’s settlement price is just above the 100-day simple moving average. But it must be noted that gold traded to an intraday low that broke below both gold’s 100 and 50-day moving averages.

The dollar continues to gain traction gaining 0.21% in trading taking the dollar index to 100.81. It is quite feasible that we see continued dollar strength and lower gold prices before Wednesday’s conclusion of this month’s FOMC meeting. While there will be a lot of conjecture and assumptions on possibilities that might occur after the September meeting it seems unlikely that it will be revealed in the federal reserve statement released at the conclusion nor found in the words of Chairman Jerome Powell when he holds his standard press conference one’ half-hour after the meeting concludes.

By

Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold encounters technical and fundamental resistance at $1980

Gold futures are definitely under pressure today, with the most active August 2023 contract down $8.70 or 0.44% and fixed at $1972.10. The root cause is dollar strength that overcame fractional buying and still was able to take gold prices moderately lower. While gold futures declined by 0.44% the dollar gained 0.56% with the differential indicating that market participants were lightly bidding the precious yellow metal higher. Currently, the dollar index has moved back over 100 and is currently fixed at 100.545.

This can also be seen in spot gold pricing which according to the Kitco Gold Index (KGX) is currently fixed at $1969 per ounce, down $7.50 on the day. However, on closer inspection dollar strength reduced an ounce of gold by $10.50, and normal trading bid gold prices $3.00 higher resulting in today's decline.

This is quite different from silver pricing today which is also trading lower. Currently, the most active September 2023 futures contract is fixing silver prices at $24.95 down approximately $0.44. Spot silver is currently fixed at $24.72 after factoring in today's decline of $0.39. However, unlike gold prices silver traded lower from both dollar strength and market participants bidding silver lower. Dollar strength accounted for a decline of $0.13, and selling pressure by investors took an ounce of silver $0.26 lower resulting in today's $0.39 price decline.

In the case of gold, the fractional buying was a sign that market participants still believe that there is upside potential based on positive market sentiment that the Federal Reserve might only raise interest rates ¼%, rather than their recent announcement that they would raise rates by ¼% two more times this year. According to the CME's FedWatch tool, there is a 99.8% probability that the Federal Reserve will raise rates at next week's FOMC meeting by ¼%. The FedWatch tool is predicting that after raising rates this month they will pause at the September meeting with the probability of that occurring at 83.9%, a 66.2% probability that they will continue to hold rates between 5 ¼% and 5 ½% in November, and a 60.8% probability that the Fed will do the same thing in December leaving rates where they will be after one more rate hike.

This differs from silver because the silver investors have implemented a round of aggressive profit taking moving both spot and futures prices back below $25. Silver futures traded to a double top Wednesday and today after hitting intraday highs at approximately $25.48. The editor of Kitco News, Neils Christensen interviewed Huw Roberts, the head of analytics at Quant Insight today where he said that “according to the firm's modeling, the silver price is about 5.7% overvalued." He said that fair value is around $23.86 an ounce. Adding that, “The signals we are starting to see in silver are getting interesting… The rally in silver has overshot its fundamentals."

Our technical studies have shown that it is highly probable that the recent decline in the dollar has concluded after the dollar index bottomed at 99.25 on Tuesday. In fact, since July the dollar index was trading well above 103. On July 6 the dollar hit an intraday high of 103.27 and began a strong decline in value trading lower for seven consecutive days resulting in recent lows in the dollar approximately 3% lower than the high achieved the first week of July. In other words, the dollar lost approximately 3% in value when compared to the basket of six currencies it is weighted against. We believe on a technical basis that the dollar index will increase short-term taking the index to approximately 101.50 before encountering any technical resistance.

By

Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

There is a reasonable probability the Fed will conclude its rate hikes this month

The CME Fed watch tool is predicting that there is a 99.8% probability that the Federal Reserve will implement a ¼% rate hike on July 26 when the next FOMC meeting concludes. It is also likely that this month's rate hike will conclude the series of hikes by the Federal Reserve that began in March 2022. The latest CPI (Consumer Price Index) and PPI (Producer Price Index) reports indicate that inflationary pressures are diminishing and getting closer to the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.

At its highest point, the CPI was at 9.1% and has now contracted to 3% in June. This combined with a decrease of 0.2% through June in the Producer Price Index (for all goods minus food and energy). A survey conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that consumer sentiment skyrocketed to 72.6% in July 13% above sentiment in June.

If the Fed is as they have long proclaimed "data dependent" then these recent reports demonstrate that the U.S. economy has contracted substantially bringing down the level of inflation.

The CME's probability indicator is forecasting an 87.9% probability that rates will be left where they are at the September FOMC meeting, a 71.8% probability in November, and a 64% probability in December.

An article penned by Avraham Shama an Opinion Contributor for THE HILL titled, "The Fed is raising interest rates again: it's a mistake that could spark a recession", warns that if the Fed wants the best serve the US economy it must stop raising rates to avoid a recession.

In his article, he addresses the fact that "the Fed and its Chairman Jerome Powell have been unable to recognize a heating or cooling economy in a timely fashion to take quarterly action to minimize the negative effects". He discusses a series of missteps beginning with monetary tightening by the Fed in 2019 prematurely which required a pivot to reverse that trend. He addressed the fact that the Federal Reserve waited too long before initiating the first rate hike in March 2022 when inflation was already above 8%.

Gold traded to its highest value this year during the first week of May when gold briefly touched $2083 and then corrected to a low of $1900 on June 20. Today gold futures basis the most active August contract is fractionally lower down $0.40 or 0.02% and fixed at $1980.40.

It is reasonable to assume that market sentiment will assume a much more bullish demeanor if it has clear knowledge that the series of rate hikes is over. More importantly, when the Federal Reserve does initiate its first rate cut which could occur as early as the first quarter of 2024 one would expect bullish market sentiment to return allowing gold to challenge the recent record highs just below $2100 per ounce.

By

Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold rallies as empowered bulls set sights on $2,000

Gold prices are sharply up and hit a 2.5-month high in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. Silver prices are also sharply up and hit a nine-week high. The charts have recently turned more bullish for both precious metals, which is inviting the technically based speculators to the long side of those markets. A weaker-than-expected U.S. retail sales report this morning is also supporting ideas the Federal Reserve can take its foot of the gas sooner, regarding its interest-rate-increase cycle. August gold was last up $26.40 at $1,983.00 and September silver was up $0.347 at $25.365.

June U.S. retail sales were reported up 0.2% versus expectations of a rise of 0.5%, month-on-month. This report, along with the U.S. employment report for June released in early July, seem to fall into the sweet spot for those market watchers looking for a soft landing for the U.S. economy. No U.S. and/or global recession setting in would be a scenario for better global demand for metals. Yet, global growth is not so strong as to prompt major central banks to continue tightening their monetary policies and raising interest rates, which would crimp demand for commodities.

Asian and European stock markets were mixed in quieter overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are higher at midday and hit new highs for the year. The U.S. stock index bulls are enjoying price uptrends in place on the daily bar charts, also reflecting the upbeat trader and investor attitudes at present.

The U.S. dollar 'will die' with BRICS new currency, warns Robert Kiyosaki

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly higher. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are up trading around $75.50 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.777%.

Live 24 hours gold chart [Kitco Inc.]

Technically, August gold futures prices hit a 2.5-month high today. Bulls have gained the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a three-week-old uptrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $1,988.30 and then at $2,000.00. First support is seen at $1,972.00 and then at today’s low of $1,958.10. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

Live 24 hours silver chart [ Kitco Inc. ]

September silver futures prices hit a nine-week high today. The silver bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage. A three-week-old price uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the April high of $26.645. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.00. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $25.405 and then at $25.85. Next support is seen at this week’s low of $24.815 and then at $24.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 7.0.

September N.Y. copper closed down 85 points at 383.55 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session high today. The copper bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field amid choppy trading. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at 390.00 cents and then at the July high of 395.40 cents. First support is seen at today’s low of 380.30 cents and then at 374.25 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold, silver boosted on notions Fed tightening cycle near an end

Gold prices are modestly up and hit a three-week high, while silver prices sharply up and hit two-month high in midday U.S. trading Thursday. Another tame U.S. inflation report today has the marketplace thinking the Federal Reserve is likely nearer the end of its interest-rate-hiking cycle. That's bullish for commodity markets, including the metals. August gold was last up $3.30 at $1,965.00 and September silver was up $0.64 at $24.955.

The marketplace is basking in the glow of tame U.S. inflation reports that came out Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Today's producer price index for June also came in slightly lower than expected, following Wednesday tamer consumer price index for June.

Said analyst Nigel Green of the deVere Group: "The U.S. is now likely to pull off the perfect "soft landing,' with the world's largest economy avoiding a recession as the latest inflation data comes in cooler than expected. The U.S. CPI data raises hopes that the Federal Reserve is going to be able to bring down inflation without steering the U.S. economy into a recession. The battle on rising prices is being won, as the data suggests, meaning the pressure is off the Fed for future rate hikes. Cooling inflation and a strong and resilient labor market suggest that no recession will come in 2023.” That's a bullish scenario for commodity markets, suggesting better demand in the coming months.

Asian and European stock markets were mixed to firmer in overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are firmer at midday.

In overnight news, China's exports in June fell a worse-than-expected 12.4%, year-on-year, following a drop of 7.5% reported in May. Imports in June dropped a worse-than-expected 6.8%, year-on-year. That dour news from the world's second-largest economy did not put a damper on raw commodity markets today, but it may in the near term.

  Silver prices are up 4%; Is this the start of the rally? TD Securities says it is still three months away

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index solidly lower and hitting a 15-month low. That's bullish for the raw commodity sector, as most raw commodities on world trade markets are priced in U.S. dollars. The weaker USDX makes those commodities less expensive to purchase in non-U.S. currency. Meantime, Nymex crude oil prices are slightly up and trading around $76.00 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching around 3.8%.

Technically, August gold futures prices hit a three-week high again today. Bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field but the bulls have momentum. A nine-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated and prices are now in a fledgling uptrend. Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $2,000.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the June low of $1,900.60. First resistance is seen at $1,975.00 and then at $1,985.00. First support is seen at $1,950.00 and then at Wednesday's low of $1,937.50. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0.

September silver futures prices hit a two-month high today. The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage and have momentum. A three-week-old price uptrend is in place on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the April high of $26.645. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.00. First resistance is seen at $25.00 and then at $25.50. Next support is seen at $24.50 and then at today's low of $24.31. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

September N.Y. copper closed up 900 points at 394.30 cents today. Prices closed near the session high and closed at a 2.5-month high close today. The copper bulls have gained the slight overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the April high of 418.25 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at 368.30 cents. First resistance is seen at the June high of 396.40 cents and then at 400.00 cents. First support is seen at today's low of 384.20 cents and then at this week's low of 374.25 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold firmer; key U.S. inflation report on deck

Gold is higher and silver is slightly lower in midday U.S. trading Tuesday. Gold is supported by bullish daily outside market forces that see the U.S. dollar index a bit weaker, crude oil prices higher and U.S. Treasury yields down a bit. Trading action was more subdued today ahead of a major U.S. inflation report out Wednesday morning. August gold was last up $7.20 at $1,938.10 and September silver was down $0.02 at $23.325.

Trading so far this week has been quieter ahead of the U.S. data point of the week: Wednesday morning’s consumer price index report for June, which is expected to come in at up 5.0%, year-on-year, compared to a gain of 5.3% in the May report. Trading action in many financial markets, as well as the precious metals, may heat up in the wake of the CPI report, especially if it’s a miss from market expectations.

  Gold prices can still push to record highs at $2,100 an ounce by the end of the year – MKS' Shiels

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index slightly lower. Nymex crude oil prices are up and trading around $74.75 a barrel. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.988%.

Technically, August gold futures were up $6.50 at $1,937.30 in afternoon trading and near mid-range. Bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are in a nine-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close above solid resistance at $1,975.00. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is pushing futures prices below solid technical support at the February low of $1,846.80. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $1,944.50 and then at $1,950.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $1,929.80 and then at this week’s low of $1,918.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

September silver futures were down $0.035 at $23.31 at midday and nearer the session low. Prices hit a three-week high early on today. The silver bears have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. However, a nine-week-old price downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of $24.835. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the June low of $22.34. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $23.595 and then at $24.00. Next support is seen at $23.00 and then at last week’s low of $22.72. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.5.

September N.Y. copper closed down 230 points at 376.15 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session low. The copper bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the June high of 396.40 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the May low of 356.50 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 382.25 cents and then at 385.00 cents. First support is seen at last week’s low of 372.25 cents and then at 368.30 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.0.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley