The Federal Reserve is set to lower interest rates for the third consecutive time, with a 25-basis point cut expected on December 18. This reduction would bring the federal funds rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%, marking a full percentage point decrease since September. However, economists anticipate a slower pace of easing in 2025 due to persistent inflation and economic resilience.
Wednesday's Federal Reserve meeting is anticipated to deliver a "hawkish cut," combining a 0.25% rate reduction with a more cautious stance on future cuts. Factors influencing this outlook include above-target inflation, stronger-than-expected economic growth, and uncertainties surrounding President-elect Trump's fiscal policies. The Fed's updated projections and Chair Powell's comments will be closely scrutinized for insights into the pace of future rate cuts.
Gold traded near $2,648 per ounce ahead of the Federal Reserve's last policy meeting of 2024. Markets expect another rate cut, but uncertainty surrounds the pace and number of cuts in 2025. Traders are keenly awaiting the Fed's economic projections and policy statement for insights into future monetary policy, particularly in light of potential inflationary policies from the incoming Trump administration.
Gold prices remained stable on Wednesday as investors cautiously awaited the Federal Reserve's policy decision and 2025 economic projections. Spot gold dipped slightly to $2,643.79 per ounce, with markets anticipating potential interest rate cuts in the coming year. The Fed's guidance on future rate adjustments will be crucial for gold's trajectory, as lower rates typically boost the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold.
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Retail sales in November exceeded Wall Street forecasts, rising 0.7% compared to the anticipated 0.6%. The increase was primarily fueled by a 2.4% jump in motor vehicle sales and a 1.8% boost in online purchases, reflecting continued consumer resilience.
A new AP-NORC poll reveals a stark partisan divide in economic outlook as 2024 ends. Despite positive economic indicators, Democrats' optimism has plummeted following Trump's election victory. Conversely, Republicans, while critical of the current economy, express hope for 2025 under Trump's leadership. This shift highlights how political affiliation increasingly influences economic perceptions, potentially challenging Trump's ability to translate economic policies into political success.
Gold prices edged lower on Tuesday as investors exercised caution before a series of central bank meetings this week, with the Federal Reserve taking center stage. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $2,639.56 an ounce, while gold futures for February delivery dropped 0.6% to $2,653.81 an ounce. The precious metal has been trading between $2,600 and $2,700 as traders await rate decisions from the Fed, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England.
Gold prices fell 0.6% to $2,636.89 per ounce as a stronger U.S. dollar and rising Treasury yields weighed on the market. Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting, where a 25 basis-point rate cut is expected. However, cautious sentiment surrounds the Fed’s projections for 2025, with expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts amid inflation concerns and economic resilience.
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China's central bank has restarted gold purchases after a six-month hiatus, adding 160,000 ounces to its reserves in November. This move coincides with Donald Trump's re-election and suggests China is preparing for potential trade tensions. The People's Bank of China now holds 72.96 million ounces of gold, reflecting its strategy to diversify reserves amid rising U.S.-China tensions.
Despite expectations of a structurally low volatility environment in 2025, analysts caution investors about the possibility of frequent market disruptions. Factors like uncertain US tariff policies, geopolitical strains, and funding market stress could trigger volatility spikes. While the VIX is projected to remain relatively stable, experts suggest that macroeconomic indicators point to potentially higher volatility levels, especially in Asian markets.
Bitcoin hit a new all-time high of $106,533 on Monday, December 16, 2024, driven by President-elect Donald Trump's proposal for a national cryptocurrency reserve. The surge extends Bitcoin's year-to-date gain to 192%, with the total cryptocurrency market value reaching $3.8 trillion. Trump's pivot towards crypto-friendly policies has energized markets, with his plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve comparable to the nation's oil stockpile.
Gold prices inched higher on Monday, supported by a softer dollar, as the market braces for the Federal Reserve's policy meeting. Investors are expecting a 25-basis point rate cut and insights into the Fed's 2025 outlook. The anticipation of lower interest rates is bolstering gold's appeal, with analysts projecting further gains in the coming year.
As inflation cools, businesses are turning to dynamic pricing to sustain profits without alienating customers through broad price hikes. This approach uses algorithms to adjust prices based on real-time data such as demand, inventory, and customer behavior. Once limited to industries like travel and entertainment, dynamic pricing is now spreading across retail and restaurants thanks to AI-powered tools. While it promises efficiency and profitability, it also sparks consumer unease over fairness and potential discrimination.
If Moody's downgraded the French credit rating due to its deficit to GDP, you should see what's happening with the U.S. government ratio. Also, there still seems to be some wisdom in the financial markets, as Microsoft shareholders overwhelmingly voted against investing in Bitcoin...
Silver outpaced most expert’s forecast in 2024. See which analysts came closest, plus exclusive insights into 2025 price predictions.
Citigroup's 2025 commodities forecast paints a mixed picture, with oil and base metals facing bearish conditions while gold shines. The bank projects an oversupplied oil market, leading to price declines, but sees gold benefiting from economic uncertainties and a weakening job market in the U.S.
Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell's commitment to policy independence may be challenged when Donald Trump retakes office in 2025. Despite Powell's firm stance on separating monetary policy from political influence, Trump's potential economic agenda—including mass deportations, tariffs, and tax cuts—could significantly impact the economy. With inflation already above the Fed's 2% target and a resilient economy, the Fed may need to keep interest rates higher for longer, especially when considering the potential effects of Trump's fiscal policies.
The Federal Reserve is poised to implement its third consecutive interest rate cut in December, lowering the benchmark rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.50%. However, economists surveyed by Bloomberg anticipate a more cautious approach in 2025, with only three rate cuts expected next year instead of the previously projected four. This shift is attributed to persistent inflation concerns and a robust economy, prompting the Fed to balance its monetary policy carefully.