(Kitco News) – Gold and silver prices are modestly lower in early U.S. trading Friday. The safe-haven metals are pressured in part by the U.S. stock indexes trading very close to their yearly and all-time highs—suggesting little risk aversion in the U.S. marketplace. December gold futures were last down $5.30 an ounce at 1,493.00. December Comex silver prices were last down $0.092 at $17.52 an ounce.
Asian and European stock markets were mostly down overnight, led by sharp losses in China stock indexes. The U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly higher openings when the New York day session begins.
World equity markets were pressured on news that China’s gross domestic product in the third quarter grew by 6.0% on an annual basis, which is the slowest pace in at least 27 years. The GDP 3Q figure was forecast at up 6.1%. On the positive side, China’s industrial production in September was reported up 5.8%, year-on-year, versus expectations for a rise of 4.9%. This news could be deemed bearish for the gold market, given that China is the world’s leading consumer of gold, along with India.
The upbeat Brexit news this week has made for a strong rally in the British pound, which hit a four-month high. The U.K. Parliament will vote this weekend to ratify the agreement.
Nymex crude oil prices are firmer in early U.S. trading Friday and trading around $54.25 a barrel. The other key “outside market” sees the U.S. dollar index slightly lower. The greenback is fading, due in part to some downbeat U.S. economic data released this week that ups the odds of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut coming yet this year.
U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes leading economic indicators. Several Federal Reserve officials will also give speeches today, which will be closely monitored by the marketplace.
Technically, the gold bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage bit are fading. A five-week-old downtrend line is in place on the daily bar chart and needs to be negated to give the bulls fresh technical strength. Bulls’ next upside price objective is to produce a close in December futures above solid resistance at $1,525.00. Bears’ next near-term downside price breakout objective is pushing December futures prices below solid technical support at the October low of $1,465.00. First resistance is seen at $1,500.00 and then at this week’s high of $1,503.00. First support is seen at Thursday’s low of $1,487.00 and then at last week’s low of $1,478.00. Wyckoff’s Market Rating: 6.0
December silver futures bulls have the slight overall near-term technical advantage but have faded recently and need to negate a five-week-old downtrend line in place on the daily bar chart to gain fresh power. Silver bulls’ next upside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technical resistance at $18.00 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at the October low of $16.94. First resistance is seen at this week’s high of $17.765 and then at $18.00. Next support is seen at Thursday’s low of $17.33 and then at this week’s low of $17.18. Wyckoff’s Market Rating: 5.5.
By Jim Wyckoff
For Kitco News
Contact jwyckoff@kitco.com
www.kitco.com
