FATF Out To Get Crypto FATF Travel Rule Expanded What Does It Mean For Crypto?

FATF Out To Get Crypto. FATF Travel Rule Expanded. What Does It Mean For Crypto? 

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been making portentous noises about crypto in recent years, and several countries are getting antsy. The most prominent concern is implementing the “travel rule,” designed to force crypto companies to collect information about any transfer of digital assets worth more than US$1,000. Some countries, notably the UK, have in the past pushed back against this ‘recommendation’ from the FATF, but their resistance now appears to be wavering. The FATF is on the warpath and has crypto firmly in sight.

This article examines what the FATF is up to, what it could mean for your country, and what it all means for crypto. Although it may sound like more doom and gloom, there are reasons to believe that crypto could benefit from the FATF’s meddling in some ways.

Just recently, PayPal announced that it would prevent UK users from buying BTC until early 2024. PayPal reportedly did this because the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) so-called travel rule requires all crypto companies to collect detailed info about crypto transfers. The travel rule was set to go into effect in the UK on September 1st, 2023, and is being rolled out worldwide. This could have a profound impact on crypto companies and projects everywhere.


Image Source: Coindesk

What Is The FATF?

The Financial Action Task Force, or FATF, is an unelected and unaccountable international organization based in Paris, France. It was created by G7 countries in 1989 to combat money laundering, but its scope has expanded significantly since then. However, these recommendations have apparently done nothing to combat illicit financial activity over the last 30 years. 

The organization adopted a mandate in 2019 to “Combat any threats to the integrity of the financial system.” Of course, the FATF considers crypto a threat, probably because its purpose is to replace the financial system. The FATF started applying its so-called recommendations to the crypto industry in 2019, and any country that refuses to go along with these recommendations will find itself cut out of the international financial system. The FATF finalized its recommendations for cryptocurrency in October 2021.

FATF’s Crypto Recommendations

The FATF’s crypto recommendations involve labeling everything that doesn't involve a third party as “high-risk.” This includes holding your crypto in your wallet and sending crypto peer-to-peer. The FATF also considers any crypto privacy to be inherently high risk. If these recommendations are implemented as regulations, crypto will become another arm of the existing financial system. It will offer no financial freedom and no financial privacy. The only exception is NFTs, which are exempt from these recommendations for unknown reasons. 

On that note, you should know that the FATF crypto recommendations only apply to intermediaries working with crypto, which the FATF refers to as Virtual Assets Service Providers or VASPs. The FATF’s crypto recommendations do not apply to miners, validators, or crypto wallets, at least not yet. However, the scope of the FATF's requests seems to have expanded over time, so this could change. This expansion is especially true of the travel rule, which requires VASPs to collect KYC on everyone who buys or sells more than $1,000 of crypto. 

The Travel Rule Expanded

Crypto exchanges started collecting KYC in 2021. Since then, however, the travel rule has expanded to require VASPs to collect KYC-level information about crypto transfers to and from VASPs worth more than $1000. Note that it's not entirely clear when the scope of the travel rule was expanded. Research suggests this expansion happened after the FATF’s finalized crypto recommendations were published in October 2021. Some may recall that South Korean crypto exchanges started forcing users to provide KYC-type information for crypto wallet transfers in December 2021. 


Images source: Notabene

The good news is that some countries have pushed back against the expanded travel rule. You might remember that the UK announced that it would not force VASPs to track transfers to and from crypto wallets in mid-2022, stating that they did not pose any illicit activity risks. 

The not-so-good news is that these countries, notably the UK, seem to have pulled a 180⁰. As mentioned, the UK implemented this expanded travel rule starting September 1st. The announcement specified that it did this in response to a statement by the FATF in June 2023. The FATF announcement called on countries to implement its crypto recommendations as regulations “without delay.” Of course, this is not a recommendation; it's a demand. Comply with our crypto recommendations, or we will restrict your access to the global financial system. 

Some countries could not comply, so they had to ban crypto. Two countries that did this are Pakistan and Kuwait, both of which recently banned crypto in its entirety, citing the FATF’s crypto recommendations as the reason. It appears that the UK opted to comply instead. 


Image source: Notabene-Regulations 

Which Countries Are Now Affected 

So this begs the question of when the FATF's expanded travel rule is coming to your country. The answer depends on the country; a complete list of countries and their compliance with the expanded travel rule can be found on the website of Notabene, a crypto compliance company. If you look at the list, you'll notice that some have already implemented the travel rule. It shows that not all have implemented the expanded travel rule. You'll have to click the link on your country and look at the details. 

There's only one country we need to look at: the United States. That's because the US heavily influences the FATF. The travel rule has its roots in the United States’ Bank Secrecy Act. KYC, for financial transactions, originates in the infamous Patriot Act. The FATF’s finalized crypto recommendations were even co-authored by the US Treasury Department. As such, it's safe to assume that the FATF’s crypto recommendations are likely to mirror similar regulations that are being proposed or that have already been passed in the United States. 

The FATF's expanded travel rule seems rooted in an infamous FinCEN proposal from November 2020. The proposal was to lower the travel rule transaction threshold from $3,000 to just $250 and expand its scope to include any crypto transactions. This includes transfers between crypto wallets and VASPs, i.e., exchanges. There is also an outcry on the measure of invasion of privacy, 

Fortunately, this proposal has yet to be approved. Unfortunately, the US has influenced the FATF to implement this proposal in other countries instead. That's because the travel rule transaction threshold in jurisdictions like the European Union is $0, which the FATF suggested in its finalized crypto recommendations. This is more significant than you might think because it indicates the start of a very slippery slope. 

A Slippery Slope

First, the FATF just wanted VASPs to complete KYC on their users. Now, they want VASPs to get info on crypto transactions above a specific value. Eventually, they'll require VASPs to get information on all crypto transactions, and the countries that don't force VASPs to comply will be cut out of the global financial system. This ties into why some countries, such as Kuwait and Pakistan, ban crypto instead of complying with the FATF, like other countries, such as South Korea and the UK.  

The answer is likely because they lack the resources to comply with these recommendations. Take a second to consider that information about all these travel rule transactions will have to be shared with national regulators. In turn, these national regulators will have to make sense of this massive amount of information and understand which transactions could be illicit and which ones are legit. If they fail to do this to the standard that the FATF wants, they could just as easily find themselves on the FATF’s grey list or even black List. 

In other words, the outcome of attempting to comply will be almost the same as outright non-compliance. So why bother trying to comply? Not only that, but it's possible that the US would use this alleged non-compliance as justification to punish its geopolitical opponents. For context, it's believed that up to 40% of money laundering occurs in the United States, yet countries like the UAE are ending up on the FATF's naughty lists. 

Is it Geopolitical, for Profit, or Something Else?

Given this fact, one could argue that the primary purpose of the FATF is geopolitical, not regulatory. If this is the case, it's appalling because it means the US is using the FATF to push its allies to comply. Remember that the UK initially wasn't going to apply the FATF's expanded travel rule. This relates to why any country would take the risk of complying with the FATF crypto recommendations instead of just banning crypto. 

Some say the answer is probably profit. Crypto has unprecedented potential; dozens of countries are trying to capitalize on this by becoming crypto hubs. The paradox is that the FATF's expanded travel rule alone is likely enough to crush smaller crypto companies and startups. That's because they would need more financial resources to comply. This would mean that the large crypto companies left standing could become monopolies. 

At that point, it would be effortless for the FATF to expand the purview of its crypto recommendations again to outlaw self-custody, peer-to-peer transactions, and crypto privacy completely. Again, this would turn crypto into another arm of the existing financial system, making it much more dystopian. 

How Could It Benefit the Crypto Market?

The silver lining is that this outcome is years away from occurring and is not guaranteed. It could also benefit the crypto market in short to medium term. That's simply because institutional investors will likely invest more in crypto once all these FATF-based regulations are in place. This is because crypto would become ever so slightly more integrated with the existing financial system from a regulatory perspective. 

This means more crypto to fiat on and off ramps, more funding for crypto projects and companies, and more direct crypto investment. The consequence is that crypto would no longer become a niche asset class, making self-custody and peer-to-peer transactions more common. 

Under normal circumstances, this would result in an explosion of crypto-specific innovation, like new DeFi protocols, for instance. However, under the FATF's recommendations, any crypto projects or companies offering these innovations would be under extreme scrutiny. Unless they're perfectly decentralized, the FATF will label them all as VASPs and force them to comply with recommendations like the travel rule. 

Believe it or not, this will also benefit crypto because it will force new crypto projects and protocols to be as decentralized as possible to outmaneuver the FATF. This will be painful in the short term because crypto projects and companies are not very decentralized. An explanation of what it means to be genuinely decentralized can be found here.  

That said, if any genuinely decentralized crypto projects and protocols managed to gain significant adoption, the FATF would likely respond by further expanding the scope of its crypto recommendations. In a recent report, Notabene noted that the FATF left the door open to this possibility, citing,

“Transfers between self-hosted wallets, so-called peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions are not explicitly covered by AML/CFT rules. The FATF opens the door to a future paradigm change in case there is a distinct trend towards P2P transactions.” 

Translation: If actual cryptocurrency, that is, peer-to-peer trustless transactions, becomes too popular, then the FATF would respond by saying wallets that engage in crypto activities are high risk.  In practical terms, this could mean not being able to transfer crypto between such wallets and a compliant VASP. What's funny is that this would likely result in a parallel financial system, which is precisely the opposite of what the FATF is trying to achieve with its crypto recommendations.

On that note, fully decentralized crypto-based communities in social media, marketing, and digital broadcasting are rising and in the throes of building a parallel economy. Given the privacy and censorship issues of legacy social media, governments, woke agencies, and tech corporations, with their propensity to ban or suspend their services to individuals and companies that go against their narrative, have brought this imperative to the fore. 

Is the Crypto Industry Complying? 

So, what is the crypto industry doing about the FATF crypto recommendations? Well, at first glance, it looks like it’s complying; upon closer inspection, however, this compliance has been incredibly strategic. To explain, the crypto industry took its time complying with the FATF crypto recommendations. After all, compliance is an additional cost, and most countries were not pressuring them about compliance with the FATF until recently. 

There are technically no deadlines for compliance with the FATF’s recommendations. In theory, countries must apply the FATF recommendations within one year of their announcement. In practice, most countries don't. One expert explained that the travel rule was a bit of a myth. Just 10% had implemented the crypto travel rule in 2022, but in all fairness, this apparent non-compliance wasn't intentional. 

The FATF has constantly been adjusting its crypto recommendations to account for changes in the crypto industry. Everyone started taking them seriously only after the finalized crypto recommendations were published. This includes the crypto industry, which, according to Notabene’s survey, “seemed willing to adopt the travel rule in January 2022.” By then, some of the biggest entities had already started exploring travel rule compliance, like USDT issuer Tether and its sister exchange Bitfinex working with Notabene. 

Here's where things get interesting: Notabene, the crypto compliance company, has been referenced by the FATF on a few occasions. This is surprising, considering that the company has received most of its funding from the crypto industry, according to Crunchbase

Also, according to Notabene, the criteria used to determine which crypto transactions are considered high-risk from the FATF's perspective is determined by blockchain analytics companies, not Notabene itself. The largest is Chainalysis, which is very pro-crypto. In fact, Chainalysis pushed back against the FATF’s crypto recommendations when they were first proposed in 2019.

The institutions the FATF relies on to implement its crypto recommendations are all pro-crypto. To put things into perspective, companies like Notabene and Chainalysis have been advising governments and regulators. Put another way, the impact of the FATF crypto recommendations may not be as anti-crypto as they intend them to be because all the institutions required to implement them are pro-crypto. It's not just private companies; some countries are also trying to protect crypto. 

Crypto Privacy in Jeopardy?

There's only one place where the FATF could still cause a problem: privacy. As most of us know, financial privacy is required for financial freedom. You can be coerced in many ways if every transaction is tracked. e.g., by punishing the people you transact with.  Logically, it will be challenging for pro-crypto compliance companies and countries to defend crypto privacy from the FATF. This will be practically impossible when the FATF decrees that any exchange offering privacy coins is inherently non-compliant. It could result in the elimination of crypto privacy altogether. 

Some would say the recent sanctions against Tornado Cash are a prelude to the FATF's next moves. Luckily, the crypto industry has been working on a solution, too. Notably, the FATF claimed that there had been a considerable move towards privacy in crypto in its finalized recommendations, stating, “During recent FATF consultations, the industry highlighted data protection and privacy (DPP) issues as key considerations for travel rule implementation…. Going forward, FATF will continue to monitor these issues to ensure data privacy and other similar issues do not present barriers to implementation.”


Image source: Cointelegraph 

Crypto Privacy Predestined – The Solution

Besides the many crypto projects like Ethereum trying to preserve privacy through cutting-edge technology, like zero-knowledge proofs, Bitcoin has also been subtly working on privacy-preserving technology. The Taproot upgrade is one protocol developed in November 2021. 

One of the things Taproot did was introduce Key Aggregation with Schnoor Signatures. Put simply, it made every single Bitcoin transaction look like a regular transaction. This move means that transactions involving multisig wallets resemble regular transactions on the blockchain. It’s significant because multisig wallets are required for Atomic Swaps, i.e., swapping BTC for a crypto coin on another blockchain. Incidentally, Monero developers finally found a way to execute swaps between BTC and XMR in August 2021. 

Taproot means these swaps are now theoretically undetectable. Multisig wallets are also required for the lightning Network, Bitcoin's most significant Layer 2 protocol. As it so happens, US authorities offered bounties to anyone who could track XMR and Lightning Network transactions in September 2020. This implies that the Lightning Network has similar privacy levels to Monero. 

Interestingly, the three Bitcoin Improvement proposals that make up the Taproot upgrade, including Schnoor Signatures, were all proposed in January 2020, shortly before the first countries started implementing the crypto travel rule. Is this a coincidence, or perhaps something more? 


Image source: GitHub

Anyway, speculation aside, it's clear that crypto privacy is inevitable because nobody wants privacy more than high-net-worth individuals. When these investors get involved during the next crypto bull market, there will definitely be calls to increase crypto privacy, and many will be answered. Additionally, if these calls don't come from the 1%, you can bet they'll come from the central banks that will start accumulating crypto in 2025. 

The regulated crypto space will likely grow, but the unhosted ecosystem will remain a niche area with significant development and innovation. The crypto and blockchain projects that uphold the interests of entrepreneurs and advocate for free and critical thinking are paving the way and developing ecosystems that will have the financial freedom, liberty, and sovereignty that is fundamentally our right of passage, which seems to be all but forgotten by the monopolies and so-called authorities and their mandate to capture the crypto industry. 

 

 

Editor and Chief Markethive: Deb Williams. (Australia) I thrive on progress and champion freedom of speech. I embrace "Change" with a passion, and my purpose in life is to enlighten people to accept and move forward with enthusiasm. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

Both analysts and retail investors see higher gold prices next week

Both analysts and retail investors see higher gold prices next week

Gold climbed higher this week, with prices rising over 1.25% as Friday's nonfarm payrolls report showed an increase in the unemployment rate and the ISM Manufacturing Index indicated continued weakness in U.S. industry.

The latest Kitco News Weekly Gold Survey shows that over two-thirds of retail investors expect gold prices to post gains during the shortened week ending September 8. And after weeks of caution and divided opinions, market analysts are just as bullish as Main Street heading into the Labor Day long weekend.

Adrian Day, President of Adrian Day Asset Management, sees gold prices increasing in the near term. "The tide seems to be turning for gold," he said. "Economic news in the U.S. and elsewhere is mixed, but the preponderance is suggesting a weakening global economy. The market is already pricing in the end of rate hikes in the U.S., though "tighter for longer' is still tightening."

Daniel Pavilonis, Senior Commodities Broker at RJO Futures, sees gold hitting a hard ceiling in the short term.

"I think gold is actually going to continue to be capped under the highs, and possibly continue to move lower," Pavilonis said. "The rationale behind that is some of the data is still coming out relatively strong. You look at core services, non-housing services, there's some labor indicators that are still pretty strong, in terms of inflationary."

Pavilonis said that yields are moving higher the further out you look across the curve, "so it's not so much of a front-end issue or a temporary issue."

"I think inflation is starting to be quote-unquote "confirmed,' that this is going to be around a lot longer," meaning the Fed is unlikely to cut rates before the end of 2024, he said. "I think that's really what's capped the metals market from moving higher."

This week, 11 Wall Street analysts participated in the Kitco News Gold Survey. Seven experts, or 64%, expected to see higher gold prices next week, while three analysts, or 27%, predicted a drop in price. Only one analyst, or 9%, was neutral on gold for the coming week.

Meanwhile, 534 votes were cast in online polls. Of these, 360 respondents, or 67%, looked for gold to rise next week. Another 101, or 19%, expected it would be lower, while 73 voters, or 14%, were neutral in the near term.

 

Kitco Gold Survey

Wall Street

Bullish64%

Bearish27%

Neutral9%

VS

Main Street

Bullish67%

Bearish19%

Neutral14%

The latest survey shows that retail investors expect gold prices to trade around $1,962 per ounce next week.

The coming week will see a few significant economic data releases, with the ISM Services PMI for August and jobless claims the highlights.

Marc Chandler, Managing Director at Bannockburn Global Forex, expects gold to build on this week's performance. "I like gold higher again next week, especially if it can close above the $1950-53 area [on Friday], which is about where I have a trendline off the May and July highs coming in. It is also a retracement objective," he said. "The US jobs data will not change views on the US economy, and that the labor market is becoming less tight. The 2-year yield has been rebuffed again as it pushed above 5.0%."

Chandler said his next target for the yellow metal is $1975-85 based on the spot market.

Sean Lusk, Co-Director of Commercial Hedging at Walsh Trading, is still cautious about gold's short-term prospects, but sees it trending downward next week amid DXY and stock market strength and mixed messages from the data.

"We traded back through some support levels this week, but as it stands right now, the jury's still out on whether there's going to be a continuation rally in the next week," Lusk said.

"With higher equities and higher dollars, it's simply going to mean lower gold prices. In my view, this recent turnaround in gold was due to the stock market being a little on its heels, and therefore, you have the possibility of some further pullback in the metals should we continue in that environment. I'll bull up longer-term, but it doesn't mean we can't swing and retest $1900 as the downside again."

Frank McGhee, Precious Metals Dealer at Alliance Financial, also sees gold trending lower next week as concerns over the impact of a slowing economy, and "with the Fed not giving any indication of the long-dreamed-about pivot, rather "higher for longer' starts to bite."

Adam Button, Chief Currency Analyst at Forexlive.com, believes the pivot is in play. "There is a small chance left of a Fed rate hike in November, but that will be priced out in short order, and the focus will shift to when the first rate cut is coming," Button said. "As that focus shifts, gold will shine."

And Kitco's Jim Wyckoff sees an uptrend beginning to form for the precious metal. "Steady-higher as gold prices are now starting to trend up on the daily bar chart," he said.

Gold prices are currently up 1.25% on the week, with spot gold last trading at $1940.75 an ounce at the time of writing.

By

Ernest Hoffman

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold is stuck in neutral and remains at the mercy of the US dollar and bond yields next week

Gold is stuck in neutral and remains at the mercy of the US dollar and bond yields next week

The gold market appears to have hit solid resistance heading into the weekend, and Friday's price action could set the tone for what is expected to be a relatively quiet shortened trading week, according to analysts.

Gold prices saw a solid recovery from August's multi-month lows this week, but some analysts note that the precious metal didn't have enough momentum to break into bullish territory. With North American markets closed Monday for the Labor Day long weekend, analysts have said that a breakout is unlikely in the short term.

This past week saw December gold futures push to a three-week high, briefly hitting $1.980.20 an ounce Friday following a lukewarm nonfarm payrolls report. Although the economy created more jobs than economists expected, wage gains were weaker than expected and the unemployment rate rose sharply.

However, the rally has cooled slightly, with December gold futures last trading at $1.967.30 an ounce, up 1.4% from Friday's close.

Gold rallied to its highs after the jobs report showed that 187,000 jobs were created in August, with consensus forecasts looking for growth of around 170,000 jobs. At the same time, employment numbers for June and July were revised sharply lower. The unemployment rate also rose to 3.8%, up from 3.5%, where economists were looking for an unchanged reading.

Some analysts said that while signs of slack are starting to build in the labor market, the data did not provide any definitive direction for investors.

"For now, the easiest trade in global markets is to squeeze the economy bears in the bond market," said Daniel Ghali, senior commodity strategist at TD Securities. "Elevated bond yields and the U.S. dollar will continue to keep gold prices contained."

While Ghali is relatively neutral on gold in the near term, he added that investors shouldn't ignore the surprising strength in the marketplace as prices hold their ground against higher bond yields and a strong U.S. dollar.

"Gold prices haven't fallen as much despite where the U.S. dollar is, so there is market demand," Ghali said. "However, we need to see definitive signs that the Federal Reserve is ready to cut interest rates and the economy isn't there yet."

Phillip Streible, chief market strategist at Blue Line Futures, said that while gold has managed to neutralize its bearish downtrend, it has some ways to go before it enters bear market territory. He added that gold remains in no man's land as prices are caught in a channel between resistance at $1,986 and support at $1,936 an ounce.

"I don't see anything right now that will stop the momentum in bond yields," he said.

James Stanley, senior market strategist at Forex.com, said that he also sees gold caught in a tug of war in the near term; however, he added that gold bulls may have a near-term advantage.

"The fact that gold bulls have held support even as USD strength has come back in the past couple of days is a pretty bullish factor," he said.

With little economic data scheduled to be released next week, analysts suggested that investors keep an eye on the U.S. dollar and bond yields. The U.S. dollar Index remains near a three-month high above 104 points.

Meanwhile, 10-year U.S. bond yields, while down from last week's 15-year highs, are holding above 4%. Although the threat of further rate hikes from the Federal Reserve has diminished following Friday's disappointing employment numbers, analysts note that it has not completely vanished.

  Singapore, Qatar continue buying gold, Libya boosts reserves to record levels

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets see the U.S. central bank leaving rates unchanged in September, and they're pricing in a 60% chance of no move in November as well.

While the data highlights slowing economic activity, some analysts have said a more decisive trend is required.

"We will need to keep a close eye on US data releases in the coming weeks, which could shed more light on what the Fed may do," said Ewa Manthey, commodities strategist at ING. "We believe gold will remain volatile in the near term given the implications of the uncertainty of persistent inflation on the US economy, and its trajectory will be influenced by US economic data in the coming weeks. We believe the threat of further action from the Fed will continue to keep the lid on gold prices for now."

Commodity analysts at Commerzbank also noted that gold could remain caught in neutral territory as "it is still far from clear how US interest rate policy will develop."

Next week's data:

Wednesday: Bank of Canada monetary policy decision, ISM Services PMI

Thursday: Weekly jobless claims

By

Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

 

 

Tim Moseley

The second week of gains in gold futures confirms a piercing line

The second week of gains in gold futures confirms a piercing line

Gold futures had a respectable gain this week opening on Monday at approximately $1944, and today closing at approximately $1966. The weekly trading activity resulted in a gain of approximately $22. But most significant is that this week’s price gain follows the prior week's gains. This results in two consecutive weeks of price advances in the precious yellow metal, and the confirmation of a simple bullish reversal pattern based upon Japanese candlesticks.

Japanese candlestick patterns have been used by Japanese market technicians since the 1600’s as a powerful technique to identify pivot or turning points effectively. Several simple two-candlestick patterns can be found on daily, weekly, or even monthly time frames.

Two of the stronger bullish reversal patterns are known as an engulfing bullish and piercing line. The criteria for these patterns begin with the same three rules:

Rule One – The pattern must occur after a defined price correction.

Rule Two – The first candlestick in the pattern must be a large red candle (which is created when the closing price of the time sequence is below the opening price), which trades at a lower low than the previous candle.

Rule Three – The second candlestick in the pattern must open below the prior large red candle.

However, this is where the two candlestick pattern types differ based on where the candle closes. To create an engulfing bullish the large green candle must close above the real body of the prior red candle. In the case of a piercing line although it opens in the same manner as the engulfing bullish it must close at the midpoint or higher.

Both patterns require a confirming candle on the following cycle which is a green candle with a higher high and a higher low.

On a weekly chart of gold futures, we can identify a piercing line that was confirmed this week.

The chart above is a weekly candlestick chart of gold futures. A rectangular box highlighted the last three weekly candlesticks of which candles one and two create the piercing line and candle three identifies the confirming candle. Based on the pattern we conclude that gold could challenge $2000 per ounce based on the highs during the week of July 17 and July 24. During those two weeks, gold traded to a high of $2028 and $2020. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume that gold could trade to and move above $2000 or higher during this calendar month.

By

Gary Wagner

Contributing to kitco.com

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold silver weaker as USDX rallies

Gold, silver weaker as USDX rallies

Gold and silver prices are modestly lower in midday U.S. trading Thursday, on downside corrections following this week’s gains and amid a solid rally in the U.S. dollar index today. December gold was last down $4.60 at $1,968.50 and December silver was down $0.254 at $24.855.

The U.S. data point of the day Thursday was the personal income and outlays report for August, including the closely watched PCE inflation readings. The core PCE reading for August came in at up 4.2%, year-on-year, which was right in line with market expectations and compares to up 4.1% in the July report. Markets showed no significant reactions to the as-expected report.

The busy U.S. data week is highlighted by Friday’s employment situation report for August from the Labor Department. The key non-farm payrolls number is expected to come in at up 170,000, compared to a rise of 187,000 in the July report. Downbeat U.S. data released so far this week has many thinking Friday’s jobs report will be in line with market expectations, or a bit weaker.

U.S. stock indexes are mixed at midday. The stock index bulls are having a good week and hit three-week highs overnight.

  How gold price gets to $10k: BRICS expansion, gold-backed currency, monetary reset – Willem Middelkoop

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index solidly higher on a corrective rebound from recent selling pressure. Nymex crude oil futures prices are higher and trading around $82.50 a barrel. The benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.08%.

Technically, December gold futures bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. However, prices are starting to trend up. 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 August low of $1,913.60. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $1,977.10 and then at $1,985.00. First support is seen at Wednesday’s low of $1,962.80 and then at $1,950.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

December silver futures silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are trending higher on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of $25.82. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.50. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $25.06 and then at this week’s high of $25.425. Next support is seen at today’s low of $24.745 and then at $24.555. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

December N.Y. copper closed down 215 points at 382.25 cents today. Prices closed near mid-range. The copper bears have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. However, prices are starting to trend up. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the August high of 403.75 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the August low of 367.00 cents. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of 385.05 cents and then at 388.00 cents. First support is seen at this week’s low of 378.00 cents and then at 375.00 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold silver gain on more downbeat US economic data

Gold, silver gain on more downbeat U.S. economic data

Gold prices are higher in midday U.S. trading Wednesday and notched a three-week high, in the aftermath of another batch of U.S. economic data than came in a bit weaker than market expectations. Silver is trading near unchanged but hit a four-week high early on today. December gold was last up $9.30 at $1,974.50 and December silver was up $0.046 at $25.18.

This morning’s ADP National Employment Report for August showed a rise of 177,000 jobs, compared to expectations for a gain of 200,000 and compares with a revised rise of 371,000 in the July report. Meantime, the second estimate of second-quarter U.S. GDP showed a gain of 2.1%, year-on-year, versus the first estimate of up 2.4% and was below market expectations. The closely watched PCE price index for the second quarter was up 2.5% versus the first estimate of up 2.6%. All of these numbers fall into the camp of the U.S. monetary policy doves, who want the Federal Reserve to hold off on raising interest rates further.

The busy U.S. data week is highlighted by Friday’s employment situation report for August from the Labor Department. The key non-farm payrolls number is expected to come in at up 170,000, compared to a rise of 187,000 in the July report.

Asian and European stock markets were mostly higher in overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are slightly higher at midday. Trader and investor sentiment overseas has improved this week as China continues to implement measures to stimulate its listing economy. Reports say China’s largest banks are preparing to cut interest rates on existing mortgages to support consumer spending and the property sector.

  Gold hits record high against yen, could signal further gains against the U.S. dollar

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index solidly lower. Nymex crude oil futures prices are firmer and trading around $81.50 a barrel. The benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.114%.

Technically, December gold futures prices hit a three-week high today. More short covering and bargain hunting were featured. Bears still have the overall near-term technical advantage but bulls have gained some momentum. Prices are starting to trend up. 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 August low of $1,913.60. First resistance is seen at $1,985.00 and then at $2,000.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $1,962.80 and then at $1,950.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0

December silver futures hit another four-week high today. The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are trending higher on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of $25.82. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.50. First resistance is seen at today’s high of $25.425 and then at $25.82. Next support is seen at today’s low of $24.92 and then at $24.555. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

December N.Y. copper closed up 35 points at 384.25 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session high and hit a three-week high. The copper bears have the slight overall near-term technical advantage. However, prices are starting to trend up. Copper bulls' next upside price objective is pushing and closing prices above solid technical resistance at the August high of 403.75 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the August low of 367.00 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 385.05 cents and then at 388.00 cents. First support is seen at this week’s low of 378.00 cents and then at 375.00 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold silver rally on downbeat US economic data

Gold, silver rally on downbeat U.S. economic data

Gold and silver prices are higher in midday U.S. trading Tuesday, with gold hitting a three-week high and silver a four-week peak. A much weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs turnover report (JOLTS) and a much lower-than-expected consumer confidence index report prompted fresh buying interest in the precious metals. The U.S. dollar index sold off and U.S. Treasury yields dipped after the data. Both reports fell into the camp of the U.S. monetary policy doves, who think the Fed has raised interest rates enough to effectively slow down U.S. economic growth. This was the start of a big week for U.S. economic reports. December gold was last up $17.30 at $1,963.90 and December silver was up $0.51 at $25.115.

U.S. stock indexes are higher at midday, also boosted by the weaker U.S. economic data. Asian and European stock markets have been lifted early this week by news Monday that China cut a key tax rate and pledged to shore up its capital markets.

The busy U.S. data week is highlighted by Friday’s employment situation report for August from the Labor Department. The key non-farm payrolls number is expected to come in at up 170,000, compared to a rise of 187,000 in the July report.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index lower. Nymex crude oil futures prices are a bit firmer and trading around $80.50 a barrel. The benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.131%.

Technically, December gold futures prices hit a three-week high today. Short covering and bargain hunting were featured. Bears still have the overall near-term technical advantage. However, a four-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated and prices are starting to trend up. 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 August low of $1,913.60. 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 this week’s low of $1,941.10. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

December silver futures prices hit a four-week high today. The silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are trending higher on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of $25.82. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $23.50. First resistance is seen at $25.50 and then at $25.82. Next support is seen at today’s low of $24.555 and then at $24.31. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.5.

December N.Y. copper closed up 405 points at 383.25 cents today. Prices closed nearer the session high. 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 August high of 403.75 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the August low of 367.00 cents. First resistance is seen at last week’s high of 384.25 cents and then at 387.00 cents. First support is seen at today’s low of 378.70 cents and then at 376.55 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 4.0.

By

Jim Wyckoff

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Redefining Marketing: Markethive Leads in the Inbound Marketing Era

Redefining Marketing: Markethive Leads in the Inbound Marketing Era

Staying ahead of the curve is crucial in the dynamic and ever-changing business world. In the modern business landscape, innovation and technology act as guiding forces, shaping how companies engage with their audiences and forge connections. In this era of constant evolution, a powerful synergy has emerged between two groundbreaking concepts: inbound marketing and blockchain technology. This convergence is rewriting the rules of engagement and presenting companies with unprecedented opportunities to carve out a competitive edge.

Gone are the days when traditional marketing methodologies ruled the roost. The one-size-fits-all approach of old-school marketing campaigns is gradually being replaced by a more interactive, personalized, and customer-centric approach. Inbound marketing is not just a strategy; it's a philosophy that revolves around attracting, engaging, and delighting customers by delivering valuable and relevant content. It's about creating a genuine connection with your audience, addressing their pain points, and offering solutions that resonate personally.

Amidst this transformative landscape, a standout player emerges: Markethive. This innovative ecosystem stands at the crossroads of the inbound marketing revolution and the blockchain evolution. Markethive's unique proposition lies in its ability to seamlessly fuse the principles of inbound marketing with the cutting-edge potential of blockchain. By doing so, it offers a comprehensive system that empowers businesses to connect with their target audience and build lasting relationships based on trust and transparency.

As we embark on this journey through the eras of marketing, from the traditional approaches of yesteryear to the revolutionary paradigm of today, we'll delve deeper into the facets that make Markethive a trailblazer in this space. We'll explore how its state-of-the-art technology and commitment to blockchain integration position it as a force to be reckoned with in the marketing world. So, fasten your seatbelts as we navigate through the intricacies of modern marketing evolution and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, with Markethive leading the way.

The Dynamic Evolution of Marketing Strategies

Delving into the ancient history of marketing unveils a fascinating narrative of transformation and adaptation. From the early days of universal billboards and broadcast commercials to the sophisticated era of inbound marketing, marketing strategies have been a journey of innovation, trial, and refinement. What began as a shotgun approach, characterized by mass advertising and outbound messages, has now matured into a nuanced dance of personalized engagement and interactive storytelling.

Cast your mind back to the days when marketing was synonymous with loud, one-sided conversations. Brands would deliver their messages from billboards, TV screens, and radio waves, hoping to capture the attention of a broad audience. This hit-or-miss approach often left consumers feeling like passive recipients of information rather than active participants in a meaningful dialogue. These tactics' lack of customization and relevance underscored a glaring disconnect between brands and their increasingly savvy and selective audience.

But then, the winds of change swept through the marketing landscape. Inbound marketing emerged as a beacon of customer-centricity, altering the course of how businesses connect with their potential customers. This paradigm shift responded to the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and preferences. Modern consumers no longer want to be bombarded with messages; they crave valuable insights, personalized experiences, and genuine connections.

Inbound marketing is a philosophy that turns the tables on traditional approaches. Instead of flooding the masses with messages, inbound marketing seeks to attract, engage, and delight potential customers through meaningful interactions. It's a strategy rooted in empathy, understanding, and value creation. By delivering content that addresses their target audience's specific pain points and interests, brands can establish themselves as trusted advisors rather than mere promoters.

The beauty of inbound marketing lies in its ability to align seamlessly with the evolving preferences of modern consumers. It's not about pushing products; it's about forging connections. It's not about one-size-fits-all; it's about tailoring experiences. In an age where consumers have the power to filter out unwanted noise, inbound marketing opens the door to authentic conversations and valuable exchanges.

As we navigate through this dynamic evolution of marketing strategies, it's clear that the journey is far from over. The landscape continues to shift, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and societal trends. But one thing remains certain: the heart of effective marketing beats to the rhythm of connection, relevance, and engagement. As we embrace this new era of marketing, one thing is for sure: the consumer is at the center, and the businesses that listen, adapt, and engage are the ones that will thrive.

The Power of Inbound Marketing

Imagine a world where businesses aren't just vying for attention with flashy ads and intrusive pop-ups, but rather, they're earning attention by offering solutions to real problems. That's the essence of inbound marketing. By crafting content that addresses pain points, answers questions, and gives insights, businesses become more than just sellers; they become trusted sources of information and assistance.
 
The transformative power of inbound marketing becomes even more pronounced in today's digital age. Thanks to the rise of social media, businesses now have direct access to their audience, enabling authentic interactions and meaningful conversations. No longer are companies limited to a one-way communication channel. Instead, they can engage, listen, and adapt in real-time. This has ushered in a new era of marketing where feedback isn't just welcomed; it's actively sought after.
 
But the impact of inbound marketing isn't solely about engagement; it's about building relationships. When content resonates with the audience, it sparks a connection beyond transactional exchanges. It establishes a bond based on shared values, common interests, and a genuine understanding of the audience's needs. This connection drives customer loyalty and advocacy, turning satisfied customers into brand ambassadors.
 
Consider the scenario where a fitness enthusiast comes across a series of blog posts from a sportswear brand. These posts provide workout tips, nutritional advice, and success stories from fellow enthusiasts. By offering this valuable content, the brand positions itself as more than just a seller of athletic wear; it becomes a partner in the journey towards a healthier lifestyle. This emotional resonance is what sets inbound marketing apart. It creates a narrative that customers want to be a part of.

Markethive's Innovative Approach

At the crossroads of innovation, where the worlds of inbound marketing and blockchain technology converge, lies Markethive, a platform that is rewriting the rules of engagement. It's not just a platform; it's a visionary approach that melds the power of inbound marketing, the potential of blockchain technology, and the strength of a vibrant community, all fueled by its very own cryptocurrency, ‘Hivecoin.’ This cryptocurrency isn't just a digital token; it's a symbol of collaboration and a medium of exchange for ideas, services, and value.

Visualize a terrain where traditional marketing techniques are no longer sufficient, customer relationships are not just transactions but genuine connections, and security and transparency are paramount. This is the landscape that Markethive is helping to shape, offering a fresh perspective on how businesses can interact with their audiences.

Inbound marketing, the heartbeat of Markethive's strategy, is all about creating meaningful interactions. It's a departure from the one-way communication of old marketing methods. Instead, it's a conversation, a dialogue, and a relationship-building endeavor. Markethive recognizes the power of this approach and has harnessed it to its fullest potential. Through the platform's array of tools and features, content creation becomes an art, and engagement transforms into a science.

But Markethive doesn't stop there. It goes further, embracing blockchain technology and redefining the foundations of trust and security. Blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies, is more than that; it's a technology that brings accountability and immutability to the digital world. Markethive seamlessly integrates blockchain's capabilities, ensuring that data remains private, transactions are tamper-proof, and interactions are verifiable.

What sets Markethive apart is its community-driven ethos. It's not just a platform for marketers; it's a living, breathing ecosystem where individuals with diverse talents and goals come together to thrive.

So, when you look at Markethive, you're not merely seeing a platform; you're witnessing a paradigm shift in how marketing, technology, and community intersect. It's a place where creativity meets security, transactions are infused with trust, and a global community comes together to shape the future of engagement. This is Markethive, an innovative fusion of ideas, technology, and humanity, redefining how we approach marketing and community collaboration.

The Multifaceted Advantages of Markethive

When exploring the advantages that Markethive brings, one quickly realizes that this platform is a true game-changer in more ways than one. Beyond its surface appeal, Markethive's multifaceted benefits resound through the core of modern marketing and networking dynamics. In this era where data is as precious as gold, Markethive harnesses the power of blockchain technology to provide a level of assurance and security that is nothing short of revolutionary.

In a world with its fair share of data breaches and privacy concerns, Markethive stands tall as a fortress of data security. The seamless integration of blockchain technology within the platform serves as a reassuring shield, safeguarding user information against the prying eyes of malicious actors. The inherent transparency and immutability of blockchain deter unauthorized access and offer users the peace of mind they deserve. This is more than just a feature; it's a testament to Markethive's commitment to building a haven for its users.

Beyond data protection, Markethive takes decentralization to a whole new level. In an age where governments use businesses to dictate the rules of engagement and achieve their control agenda by proxy, Markethive flips the script. The decentralized structure of the platform puts the reins back in the hands of the users themselves. No longer confined to the dictates of third parties, users are empowered to direct their interactions, forging connections on their terms. This enhances user autonomy and ushers in an era of authentic engagement.

One of the most intriguing facets of Markethive's approach is its ingenious way of turning content creation and sharing into a rewarding endeavor. In a landscape where attention is a currency, Markethive elevates this concept by enabling users to monetize their contributions. Imagine earning tangible rewards for sharing your insights, creating content, and engaging with a community that values your input. Markethive transforms your actions into currency, making every interaction a step towards potential earnings.

Markethive is a game-changer because it's powered by the strength of people coming together. The company is on a mission to give you an edge that's seriously unfair in the best way possible. Imagine being part of a movement that reaches billions through social networks and gets you top-notch SEO results in a snap. That's the kind of power we're talking about.

The system is jam-packed with features that are designed to help you succeed. The autoresponders here are even better than what you'd find in popular services like Aweber, and the capture page technology is out of this world, ensuring you capture leads like a pro. And speaking of leads, there are widgets that make subscription a breeze for your capture pages and WordPress sites.

The blogging systems are designed for massive reach. Your visitors can easily subscribe and spread the word through their social networks. And there’s an auto-posting feature; we're talking about reaching millions, even billions, on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more. Results? Yep, you're gonna see them with mind-blowing ROI.

Inbound marketing is the way to go. More than 90% of your potential customers search the web, and a whopping 80% of their purchasing journey happens before they even contact you. That's where Markethive comes in, helping you understand your customers and guiding them straight to your website. Attract leads, nurture them, and turn them into loyal customers. That's the power of inbound marketing. And with Markethive, you're not just getting a platform but becoming part of a movement. Several other services are in the works, so whether you're starting or ready to take your business to the next level, Markethive is here to support you. Your success is our success, and with Markethive, you've got a partner who's got your back every step of the way.

It's worth noting that the extensive censorship on various social media platforms and the concerning actions of governments that seem to limit people's freedoms, Markethive provides an exciting solution. Markethive creates an environment where people can truly express themselves without fearing censorship or suppression. This merging of ideas and technology promises to allow individuals to communicate, connect, and collaborate without facing the hurdles often accompanying the virtual landscape.

Markethive aims to establish a space where creativity and dialogue can flourish unhindered, promoting an atmosphere of openness and unrestricted exchange of thoughts and ideas. By acknowledging the concerns surrounding censorship and the desire for personal freedoms, Markethive is positioning itself as a potential solution, offering a platform that aspires to preserve the essence of free expression in an ever-evolving digital world.

Navigating the Future

As digital marketing has become essential in today's business environment, businesses constantly seek efficient ways to reach their target audiences—Markethive steps in by offering a suite of inbound marketing tools designed to address these challenges head-on. Unlike traditional outbound marketing, where messages are pushed to consumers, inbound marketing focuses on attracting potential customers through valuable content and experiences.
 
Markethive's arsenal includes systems and tools like blogs, email autoresponders, e-commerce stores, banner advertising, press releases, boost, video advertising, broadcasting, franchised news sites, and analytics that empower businesses to craft engaging content and strategically share it across various platforms.
 
Businesses can streamline their marketing efforts and achieve a more significant ROI by offering a comprehensive toolkit that covers content creation, social media management, analytics, and community engagement. This approach aligns well with consumers' evolving preferences, who value authenticity and personalized interactions.
 
One of Markethive's standout features is its emphasis on community building. Businesses can thrive by connecting with like-minded individuals, networking within their industry, and fostering meaningful relationships. This communal approach enables trust and credibility, which are crucial components of successful marketing campaigns.
 
Markethive's potential to surpass the tech giants lies in its commitment to addressing the pain points of modern marketing. Markethive's innovative solutions have the potential to propel it beyond Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Its focus on inbound marketing, community building, and blockchain technology sets it apart as a platform that understands and addresses the evolving needs of businesses in the digital age. As we navigate the future, it's exciting to witness how Markethive could reshape the landscape of social media and marketing.

Final Thoughts

Markethive is like a fresh breeze in the world of marketing. It's an ecosystem that mixes modern marketing ideas with the power of blockchain technology. This lets marketers do their thing, keep their data safe, and make real connections. Markethive is all about changing how we do marketing, and it's a sign of how new and exciting ideas can shape industries for the better.
 
The company's unique positioning as a pioneer in this space underscores the platform's commitment to reshaping marketing practices for the better. As we look ahead, it's clear that the fusion of these dynamic forces will define the trajectory of marketing in the digital age, and Markethive is the pioneering force.

 

 

About: Prince Ibenne. (Nigeria) Prince is passionate about helping people understand the crypto-verse through his easily digestible articles. He is an enthusiastic supporter of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Find me at my Markethive Profile Page | My Twitter Account | and my LinkedIn Profile.

 

 

 

 

Tim Moseley

Gold rallies on short covering perceived value buying

Gold rallies on short covering, perceived value buying

Gold prices are posting decent gains and silver prices are slightly up in midday U.S. trading Monday. Short covering by the futures traders is featured in gold, along with some perceived bargain hunting. The silver market is seeing some technical buying amid friendly near-term charts. December gold was last down up $13.30 at $1,953.30 and December silver was up $0.137 at $24.72.

This is the unofficial last week of summer for the U.S. Look for the marketplace to become more active next Tuesday, following the three-day U.S. Labor Day weekend holiday. This is a big week for U.S. economic reports, so traders and investors are likely to become at least a bit more tuned in as the week progresses.

Asian and European stock markets were mostly higher in overnight trading. U.S. stock indexes are modestly higher at midday. News that China cut a key tax rate and pledged to shore up its capital markets boosted trader and investor attitudes in Asia.

The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index near steady. Nymex crude oil futures prices are slightly higher and trading around $80.00 a barrel. The benchmark U.S. Treasury 10-year note is presently fetching 4.214%.

The U.S. economic data pace picks up rapidly on Tuesday and it’s a big data week, including the employment situation report on Friday.

Technically, December gold futures bears still have the overall near-term technical advantage. However, a four-week-old downtrend on the daily bar chart has been negated. 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 $1,900.00. First resistance is seen at $1,963.50 and then at $1,975.00. First support is seen at today’s low of $1,940.10 and then at Friday’s low of $1,931.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.5

December silver futures bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Prices are trending higher on the daily bar chart. Silver bulls' next upside price objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at the July high of $25.82. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the August low of $22.585. First resistance is seen at $25.00 and then at $25.345. Next support is seen at Friday’s low of $24.31 and then at $24.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0.

December N.Y. copper closed up 95 points at 379.35 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 August high of 403.75 cents. The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid technical support at the August low of 367.00 cents. First resistance is seen at today’s high of 382.90 cents and then at last week’s high of 384.25 cents. First support is seen at Friday’s low of 376.55 cents and then at last week’s low of 372.15 cents. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 3.5.

By

Jim Wyckoff

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

Gold prices treading water as Powell provides little guidance on monetary policy during Jackson Hole speech

Gold prices treading water as Powell provides little guidance on monetary policy during Jackson Hole speech

The gold market continues to tread water below $1,950 an ounce as it finds little direction from the latest comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

Friday, Powell provided little new information on the central bank's monetary policy, saying that the Federal Reserve will remain cautious as it focuses on bringing inflation back to its 2% target. The comments were made during the annual central bank retreat at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Powell said that while the central bank can continue to raise interest rates if inflation remains stubbornly elevated, he added that monetary policy will remain data-dependent.

"As is often the case, we are navigating by the stars under cloudy skies. In such circumstances, risk-management considerations are critical. At upcoming meetings, we will assess our progress based on the totality of the data and the evolving outlook and risks. Based on this assessment, we will proceed carefully as we decide whether to tighten further or, instead, to hold the policy rate constant and await further data," he said.

The gold market is not seeing much reaction to the comments. December gold futures last traded at $1,947.10 an ounce, unchanged on the day.

Adam Button, head of currency strategy at Forexlive.com, described Powell's comments as "a bit of a dud."

"These are all the same things that he said after the last FOMC, and they echo what most other Fed officials have said. Perhaps the market is keying on the 'carefully' comment, which might be seen as dovish. The dollar kicked lower initially, but I just don't see that continuing based on the headlines," he said.

However, Jim Wyckoff, senior technical analyst at Kitco.com, said that he said Powell struck a more hawkish tone as he focused on the central bank's inflation target.

"Twelve-month core inflation is still elevated, and there is substantial further ground to cover to get back to price stability," said Powell in his remarks. "Two percent is and will remain our inflation target. We are committed to achieving and sustaining a stance of monetary policy that is sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation down to that level over time. It is challenging, of course, to know in real-time when such a stance has been achieved."

Powell also noted that the central bank still expects to see weaker economic growth as it cools the economy to bring consumer prices back down to target.

"Getting inflation sustainably back down to 2 percent is expected to require a period of below-trend economic growth as well as some softening in labor market conditions.

Marc Chandler, managing director at Bannockburn Global Forex, said that Powell didn’t cover any new ground; however, he added that markets are still pricing in a rate hike in November.

“Powell spent a little more than 10 minutes summarizing what has taken place in the past year, with little forward guidance,” he said.

By

Neils Christensen

For Kitco News

Time to Buy Gold and silver

Tim Moseley

The Artist that came out of the Winter