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02:00:39

The $74.6 million compensation package belongs to Apple CEO Tim Cook.

02:00:38

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to the Russian military after a commander reported to him that they had completely taken control of the eastern Ukrainian town of Siversk. However, the Ukrainian military denied this claim, stating that its troops still control the area.

02:00:35

The U.S. economy is projected to grow by 0.42% in the third quarter of 2025, a forecast provided by the St. Louis Federal Reserve's GDP model.

02:00:34

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the European Council's decision on its proposal to continue freezing Russian sovereign assets, saying it sent a strong signal to Russia that the costs would continue to rise as long as the conflict persists. She also said it was a clear message to Ukraine that the EU would ensure the country is stronger both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

02:00:30

LME metal futures closed mostly lower, with LME copper down $357 to $11,515 per tonne; LME aluminum down $32 to $2,868 per tonne; LME zinc down $78 to $3,125 per tonne; LME lead down $20 to $1,968 per tonne; LME nickel down $39 to $14,587 per tonne; LME tin down $414 to $41,337 per tonne; and LME cobalt unchanged at $52,790 per tonne.

02:00:29

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck 69 kilometers northeast of the Northern Kuril Islands in Russia.

01:46:06

Silver's weekly gains widened to 10%, triggering profit-taking and a pullback by investors. Details>

01:33:59

[Ukraine Claims Missile Attack on Black Sea Port City Causes Cargo Ship to Catch on Fire] On December 12, local time, Ukraine reported that the Black Sea port city of Chernomosk in Odessa Oblast was attacked by Russian missiles that afternoon. A Turkish-flagged container ship docked in the port was hit and caught fire, injuring at least one person. The hit ship is reportedly a container ship belonging to a Turkish shipping company, carrying cargo including generators. Ukrainian emergency services stated that the fire is under control, the injured person has been taken to hospital, and environmental monitoring has not detected the release of hazardous substances. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the Russian missile attack on Odessa Oblast that day in a post on his official social media platform. Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces not only hit a Turkish-flagged civilian cargo ship in Chernomosk port during the day, causing injuries, but also attacked Odessa's energy infrastructure the previous day. (CCTV)

01:33:10

Fitch: Global oil and gas outlook for 2026 is neutral.

01:33:10

Italian Economy Minister: No one has ever proposed using gold reserves to reduce public debt.

01:32:34

According to Nikkei, Japan and Central Asian countries will cooperate on artificial intelligence (AI) mining technology at their first summit. Japan is about to establish a framework with Central Asian countries, and Japanese AI technology will help the region's mining development.

01:32:12

According to Nikkei, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will meet with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan on December 20. (Jinshi Data APP)

01:31:34

Market news: It is unlikely that the EU and India will finalize a trade agreement before the end of the year.

01:29:44

Spot gold has just broken through the $4280.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4279.95/ounce, up 0.01% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4310.80/ounce, down 0.05% on the day.

01:22:43

Spot gold has just broken through the $4290.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4290.02/ounce, up 0.24% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4320.80/ounce, up 0.18% on the day.

01:20:33

Peru's central bank chief economist, Almas, said that Peru's GDP likely grew by about 4% in October.

01:20:16

Federal Reserve's Goolsby: Government financing costs should not be considered when formulating policies.

01:11:32

The United States has announced its tariff quotas for British cars for the first and second quarters. According to the US announcement, British cars within the quotas will be subject to a 7.5% tariff.

01:11:10

White House AI and cryptocurrency advisor Sachs: AI creates more jobs than it loses. Regulatory chaos creates compliance issues. (Trump's AI executive order) aims to control conflicting state rules.

01:10:29

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) has decided to recommend to the shareholders' meeting that Martin Hirzel be elected to the SNB for the remainder of the term, from 2024 to 2028. He will succeed Romeo Lacher on May 1, 2026.

01:09:18

[Night Trading Futures Closing] International copper futures closed down 2.46%, Shanghai copper futures closed down 2.16%, Shanghai aluminum futures closed down 1.74%, Shanghai zinc futures closed down 0.89%, Shanghai lead futures closed down 0.50%, Shanghai nickel futures closed down 0.80%, and Shanghai tin futures closed down 0.30%. Alumina futures closed up 3.61%, while aluminum alloy futures closed down 1.21%. Stainless steel futures closed down 0.08%.

01:00:33

[Bank of America: US Money Market Rates May Not Return to Normal Until December 2026] In their latest report, Bank of America strategists Mark Cabana and Katie Craig pointed out that given the Federal Reserve's need to replenish reserves beyond its current planned bond-buying amount, US money market rates may not gradually return to a more normal level until December 2026.

00:58:20

Spot gold has just broken through the $4280.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4280.02/ounce, up 0.01% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4311.20/ounce, down 0.04% on the day.

00:47:48

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1730.00/ounce mark, last trading at $1730.15/ounce, up 3.53% on the day; Nymex platinum futures main contract was last trading at $1749.3/ounce, up 2.11% on the day.

00:44:38

Federal Reserve official Goolsby: In certain periods, the Federal Reserve has had to take tightening measures to curb rising inflation.

00:44:38

Federal Reserve official Goolsby: The idea that the Fed should finance government debt by cutting interest rates is disappointing, and that is precisely the core reason why the Fed must uphold its independence.

00:44:37

Federal Reserve official Goolsby: In countries where central banks lack independence, inflation problems tend to recur and even worsen again.

00:43:22

European lawmakers will review a proposal to ease capital requirements for bonds issued by the safest banks.

00:42:48

The Federal Reserve has reappointed the heads of 11 regional Federal Reserve banks: Following a unanimous vote, the Federal Reserve has decided to reappoint the presidents and first deputy presidents of 11 Federal Reserve banks for five-year terms, effective March 1, 2026. Atlanta Fed President Rafael Bostic will retire at the end of his current term.

00:42:13

Following the Federal Reserve's rate cut, mortgage rates are hovering near 2025 lows: the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in the U.S. has risen slightly to 6.22%, but remains below the year-to-date average. Previously, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell warned that the structural supply shortage in the housing market would "continue to put it in a difficult position," and that even rate cuts by the Fed would not fundamentally alleviate the situation.

00:40:18

Spot gold has just broken through the $4260.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4257.99/ounce, down 0.51% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4289.60/ounce, down 0.54% on the day.

00:40:08

Spot silver has just broken through the $61.00/ounce mark, last trading at $60.97/ounce, down 4.05% on the day; COMEX silver futures are last trading at $61.23/ounce, down 5.21% on the day.

00:40:08

Spot silver fell 4.05% on the day, closing at $60.97 per ounce; COMEX silver futures were last quoted at $61.23 per ounce, down 5.21% on the day.

00:38:37

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1710.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1709.65/oz, up 2.30% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1736.3/oz, up 1.35% on the day.

00:38:27

Spot gold has just broken through the $4270.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4269.82/ounce, down 0.23% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4301.80/ounce, down 0.26% on the day.

00:38:27

The Nasdaq index has just broken through the 23,100.00 mark, currently trading at 23,098.99, down 2.10% on the day.

00:37:55

Major European stock indices closed lower across the board. The Stoxx Europe 600 index fell 0.5%, the Euro Stoxx index fell 0.4%, and the Eurozone blue-chip index fell 0.5%. The French CAC 40 index fell 0.1%, the Spanish IBEX index fell 0.13%, the UK FTSE 100 index fell 0.5%, and the German DAX index fell 0.34%.

00:34:47

Spot gold just touched the $4280.00/oz mark, last trading at $4279.79/oz, unchanged for the day; COMEX gold futures main contract last traded at $4310.40/oz, down 0.06% for the day; Spot platinum just broke through the $1720.00/oz mark, last trading at $1719.95/oz, up 2.92% for the day; Nymex platinum futures main contract last traded at $1744.9/oz, up 1.85% for the day.

00:34:29

[Powell: AI is "Part of the Reason" for Worsening US Employment] Is artificial intelligence harming US jobs? Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's answer is: to some extent. He stated at a press conference that AI is "part of the reason" for the worsening unemployment rate, which is one of the reasons for the Fed's second interest rate cut in two months. However, Powell also pointed out that AI is currently "not the main driver, and it is impossible to know whether it will become the main cause in the future." While the long-term impact of AI on the labor market cannot be predicted, Powell believes that the current wave of AI may have a more severe impact on the workforce than the technological revolutions of the past 200 years. While past technological changes have eliminated jobs, they have also created enough new jobs, "ultimately maintaining a balance in employment." But the arrival of generative AI "may be different." He bluntly stated that if this is indeed the case, "our existing tools will not be sufficient to address its profound impact on society and the labor market."

00:30:38

Federal Reserve's Goolsby: Maintaining the Fed's independence is "crucial" to ensure that monetary policy is made free from political interference.

00:30:17

Federal Reserve's Goolsby: We remain convinced that we have a strong and resilient consumer base.

00:29:55

US stocks continued their decline, with the Nasdaq falling further to 2%.

00:29:28

All 29 economists surveyed predicted that the Mexican central bank would cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 7% on December 18.

00:21:46

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has just broken through the 48,400.00 mark, currently trading at 48,399.92, down 0.62% on the day.

00:21:35

The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.01% on the day, closing at 23,119.00.

00:12:32

Federal Reserve's Goolsby: I'm not saying we can't consider cutting interest rates in the near future. (Jinshi Data APP)

00:04:23

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has just broken through the 48,500.00 mark, currently trading at 48,499.66, down 0.42% on the day.

00:02:54

Spot gold has just broken through the $4280.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4279.93/ounce, up 0.01% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4310.20/ounce, down 0.06% on the day.

00:01:53

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1720.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1719.95/oz, up 2.92% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1744.5/oz, up 1.83% on the day.

23:59:23

The Nasdaq index has just broken through the 23,200.00 mark, currently trading at 23,199.41, down 1.67% on the day.

23:58:33

The S&P 500 fell 1.01% on the day, closing at 6831.33.

23:58:22

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1730.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1729.40/oz, up 3.48% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1754.7/oz, up 2.42% on the day; Spot silver has just touched the $62.00/oz mark, currently trading at $62.00/oz, down 2.43% on the day; COMEX silver futures are currently trading at $62.23/oz, down 3.66% on the day.

23:58:13

Spot gold has just broken through the $4290.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4289.46/ounce, up 0.23% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4321.30/ounce, up 0.19% on the day.

23:58:13

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has just broken through the 48,600.00 mark, currently trading at 48,585.27, down 0.24% on the day.

23:55:12

Spot silver fell 2.04% on the day, closing at $62.24 per ounce; COMEX silver futures were last quoted at $62.45 per ounce, down 3.31% on the day.

23:54:52

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,300.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,299.93/ounce, up 0.47% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,332.50/ounce, up 0.45% on the day.

23:53:22

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1740.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1739.20/oz, up 4.07% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1764.9/oz, up 3.02% on the day.

23:51:11

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,310.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,309.99/ounce, up 0.71% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,343.40/ounce, up 0.70% on the day.

23:50:15

[US-EU Disagreements Continue to Widen over Ukraine Peace Plan] The US "peace plan" for Ukraine includes an unpublished appendix listing several economic arrangements, a fact that has sparked strong concerns among officials in many European countries. Currently, the differences between the two sides at the negotiating table are no longer limited to border issues, but are increasingly focused on the competition for economic interests.

23:49:47

Standard Chartered predicts that gold prices will hit a record high in 2026, with the average price for the whole year expected to be $4,488 per ounce, and the average price in the fourth quarter expected to reach $4,750 per ounce.

23:49:31

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1750.00/ounce mark, last trading at $1750.11/ounce, up 4.72% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are last trading at $1776.4/ounce, up 3.69% on the day.

23:49:22

[Russia's Central Bank Sues Euroclear in Moscow Over Frozen Assets] Russia's central bank has filed a lawsuit in Moscow against the European Central Bank (ECB) over frozen state assets. The central bank warned the EU that if the EU uses these frozen funds, Russia will take global retaliatory action to recover hundreds of billions of euros in assets. In a statement on Friday, the Russian central bank said it had filed a lawsuit with the Moscow Arbitration Court, accusing the Belgium-based trustee of "illegal activities" that have rendered the bank "unable to dispose of its own funds and securities." In a separate statement, the bank further warned that it will challenge the European Commission's unauthorized use of its assets "in all available competent authorities, including national courts, foreign judicial bodies, and international organizations," and will seek to "enforce relevant judicial rulings" in any country.

23:46:50

[Germany's population may fall to less than 75 million by 2070] The latest population projections released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany on December 11 show that Germany's population may decrease by about 9 million from the current level by 2070, falling below 75 million.

23:46:45

The head of Colombia's mining department said the government will release 14 areas for copper production and exploration.

23:46:01

Fitch: Geopolitical risks are increasingly driving a deterioration in the shipping outlook.

23:45:48

Federal Reserve official Goolsby: We cannot assume that current inflation is temporary.

23:45:30

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,320.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,320.02/ounce, up 0.94% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,352.20/ounce, up 0.91% on the day.

23:42:14

The Dutch Treasury plans to issue €50 billion in bonds in 2026.

23:42:14

As pension reforms take place, Dutch government bond issuance is shifting towards short-term debt.

23:32:25

The yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury note rose as much as 6 basis points to 4.86%, a new high since September 5, and has risen by about 5 basis points this week. The yield on the 2-year Treasury note was basically flat on Friday, and has fallen slightly this week.

23:31:37

[Fed's Goolsby: Not Hawkish on 2026 Monetary Policy, Opposes Premature Rate Cuts] Chicago Federal Reserve President Goolsby said on Friday that although he opposed the Fed's rate cuts this week, he is not "hawkish" on the outlook for monetary policy in 2026, and his forecast for interest rates at the end of next year is lower than that of his colleagues.

23:30:29

Silver prices are poised for their strongest annual performance since 1979, with a weekly gain expected to reach 10%. The metal is on track for its best annual performance since 1979, driven by a combination of factors including inflows into exchange-traded funds, momentum trading, and tight supply in the physical market. On Friday morning, silver prices climbed to a record high above $64 per ounce, experiencing significant volatility. This week, silver prices have risen by approximately 10%, largely boosted by dovish signals from the Federal Reserve. Most analysts believe that this round of silver price increases cannot be explained by a single driving factor. Rising silver prices often have a self-reinforcing effect, as retail investors and momentum traders are frequently attracted to this volatile metal.

23:29:51

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessenter: Following the fraud case in Minnesota, the U.S. Treasury Department has further strengthened reporting requirements in the monetary services sector.

23:29:31

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessenter: The U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will issue investigation notices to relevant money services companies.

23:29:31

U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessenter: Treasury Department staff have arrived in Minnesota to begin their work.

23:29:19

Spot gold has just broken through the $4300.00/oz mark, currently trading at $4299.70/oz, up 0.47% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4331.40/oz, up 0.43% on the day; Spot platinum has just broken through the $1730.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1728.95/oz, up 3.46% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1757.9/oz, up 2.61% on the day; Shanghai aluminum futures have just broken through the 21800.00 yuan/ton mark, currently trading at 21790.00 yuan/ton, down 1.38% on the day.

23:29:19

The Nasdaq index has just broken through the 23,300.00 mark, currently trading at 23,299.07, down 1.25% on the day.

23:28:46

The median forecast indicates that the Czech Republic's main interest rate will remain at 3.50% by the end of 2026 (the previous forecast was also 3.50%). A survey of 16 analysts showed that all 16 respondents unanimously predicted that the Czech National Bank would maintain the main interest rate at 3.50% at its meeting on December 18th.

23:26:24

The Nasdaq 100 fell 1% to an intraday low, and the S&P 500 fell 0.5%.

23:25:57

The Dow Jones Industrial Average has just broken through the 48,700.00 mark, currently trading at 48,697.35, down 0.01% on the day.

23:24:48

Spot gold has just broken through the $4310.00/ounce mark, currently trading at $4309.75/ounce, up 0.70% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4340.50/ounce, up 0.64% on the day; Shanghai aluminum futures have just broken through the 21900.00 yuan/ton mark, currently trading at 21890.00 yuan/ton, down 0.93% on the day.

23:24:47

The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 1.02% on the day, closing at 23,353.05.

23:24:17

Spot silver has just broken through the $63.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $62.99/ounce, down 0.86% on the day; COMEX silver futures are currently trading at $63.24/ounce, down 2.09% on the day.

23:21:47

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,320.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,318.20/ounce, up 0.90% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,349.90/ounce, up 0.86% on the day.

23:21:17

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1740.00/oz mark, currently trading at $1739.65/oz, up 4.10% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $1768.3/oz, up 3.22% on the day.

23:18:36

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,330.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,329.71/ounce, up 1.17% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,362.70/ounce, up 1.15% on the day.

23:16:16

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1750.00/ounce mark, last trading at $1749.70/ounce, up 4.70% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are last trading at $1780.0/ounce, up 3.90% on the day.

23:16:05

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,340.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,339.08/ounce, up 1.39% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,373.80/ounce, up 1.41% on the day.

23:08:54

The Nasdaq index has just broken through the 23,400.00 mark, currently trading at 23,399.52, down 0.82% on the day.

23:04:16

[Wedbush Analysts: Trump's AI Executive Order a Major Boon for Large Tech Companies] Wedbush analysts point out that the AI executive order signed by US President Trump is a "major boon" for large tech companies such as OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, and Meta. They state that the executive order brings US AI regulation into a unified federal standards system, thereby removing a major regulatory hurdle that could have hindered the development of leading technology companies. These analysts emphasize, "The executive order eliminates many questions surrounding the future development of AI and removes a major uncertainty for the future."

23:03:51

[Colombian President Criticizes US Military Operations in Caribbean, Claims They Are Aimed at Seizing Oil] According to Colombian media reports, Colombian President Petro Petro criticized the US military operations in the Caribbean on the 11th, arguing that the US's true intention is to seize oil resources and warning of the potential escalation of the situation in the region. Speaking at the second Western Caribbean People's Summit in San Andrés, Colombia, Petro stated that the US's seizure of oil tankers in the Caribbean constitutes piracy, with the aim of seizing control of oil.

23:01:13

The Central Bank of Paraguay projects inflation at 3.6% by the end of 2025 and 3.5% in 2026.

23:00:58

[Night Trading Futures Closing] Coking coal rose 3.50% for the second consecutive day, soda ash rose 1.93% for the second consecutive day, PVC rose 1.60% for the second consecutive day, polypropylene rose 1.47% for the second consecutive day, and fuel oil rose 1.37% for the second consecutive day.

23:00:08

[Kansas City Fed President Schmid: Inflation Still Overheated, Opposes This Week's Rate Cut] (1) Kansas City Federal Reserve President Jeffrey Schmid clearly stated that he opposes the Fed's decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points this week. His core reason is that inflation is still "overheated," and monetary policy needs to maintain a moderately tight stance in order to effectively control the inflation level. (2) After the Fed's quiet period ended, Schmid stated in a statement: "What I see now is an economy with momentum and overheated inflation, which suggests that the policy restraint is not excessive." It is understood that the Fed adjusted the benchmark policy rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% on Wednesday with a vote of 9 in favor and 3 against. (3) In this interest rate decision vote, Chicago Federal Reserve President Goolsby and Schmid were in agreement, both voting to maintain the existing policy rate unchanged; while Fed Governor Milan again voted against it, advocating for a direct 50 basis point cut in the benchmark rate. (4) Schmid further stated that, in his view, the relevant market environment has not changed significantly since he opposed the rate cut in October: inflation remains above the policy target and the labor market is "roughly balanced".

22:58:06

[Cleveland Fed's Beth Hammark Hints at Disagreement with Rate Cut Decision] Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammark is not a voting member of the policy committee in 2025. However, in comments published in Cincinnati, she hinted at a disagreement with the committee's decision to cut interest rates this week. Hammark stated that the Fed's policy stance is likely close to neutral at present, neither stimulating nor inhibiting the economy. She said that given persistently high inflation, she would prefer a slightly more restrictive stance. Hammark will return to the policy voting committee in 2026, starting with the Fed's next meeting in January.

22:56:46

[Canada's capacity utilization rate rises to 78.5% in the third quarter, with oil and gas and construction being the main drivers] (1) According to Ottawa, Statistics Canada disclosed on Friday that the country's capacity utilization rate across all industries rose to 78.5% in the July-September period, up 0.9 percentage points from the previous quarter, mainly driven by the recovery of the oil and gas extraction industry and the first rebound in the construction industry in more than two years. (2) Capacity utilization rate reflects the ratio of actual output to potential output in an industry and is a key indicator for measuring the intensity of production capacity use. This data is lower than the 79.5% expected by economists at TD Securities, and the data for the second quarter was revised down from 79.3% to 77.6%. (3) Specifically, the capacity utilization rate of the construction industry rebounded for the first time after declining for eight consecutive quarters, increasing by 1.3 percentage points to 80.2% quarter-on-quarter, mainly due to increased engineering construction activities; the mining, quarrying and oil and gas industry rose by 0.7 percentage points to 77.1% quarter-on-quarter, reversing the decline in the previous quarter; the manufacturing industry was driven by the oil and coal and transportation equipment manufacturing sectors, with the utilization rate increasing by 1.1 percentage points to 77.8%. (4) However, capacity utilization in the power generation, transmission, and distribution sectors fell 1.7 percentage points quarter-on-quarter to 77.8%, mainly due to reduced hydropower generation caused by drought in some areas. (5) Canada's GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.6% in the third quarter, with the recovery in net trade and increased defense spending offsetting the impact of weak domestic demand. The country's capacity utilization rate had remained above 80% from 2021 to early 2023, but has declined since 2023 as economic growth has slowed.

22:54:51

[Federal Reserve Official Paulson: More Concerned About Labor Market Risks; Current Monetary Policy Continues to Curb Inflation] New York, December 12 – Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Paulson said on Friday that her current concerns about the weak labor market are slightly greater than the upside risks to inflation, and that current monetary policy remains restrictive and will help push inflation back to the Fed's 2% target level. Speaking at an event hosted by the Delaware Chamber of Commerce in Wilmington, Paulson noted that tariffs were the main factor pushing up prices this year, and that inflation is likely to fall significantly next year as their impact fades. She pointed out that the current target range for the federal funds rate of 3.5%-3.75% is slightly restrictive, and the cumulative effect of previous policies will continue to help cool inflation. Regarding the labor market, Paulson described it as "bending, but not breaking." She stated that the Fed's cumulative rate cuts of 75 basis points over the past three meetings have provided insurance against further deterioration in the labor market. On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to its current range, aiming to balance high inflation with risks in the labor market. However, due to the lack of key economic data caused by the government shutdown, the Fed did not provide clear guidance on whether to cut rates again in January. Paulson revealed that she will become a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) in January, at which time the Fed will have more information, which is expected to provide greater clarity on the inflation, employment outlook, and related risks, allowing for more targeted discussions on interest rate policy.

22:54:41

Spot gold has just broken through the $4,350.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $4,350.30/ounce, up 1.65% on the day; COMEX gold futures are currently trading at $4,383.70/ounce, up 1.64% on the day.

22:51:59

[Pound Sterling May Fall on Rate Cut Prospects] TD Securities strategists said in a report that the pound may fall due to the Bank of England's potential rate cut on Thursday and market expectations of another cut in the first quarter of 2026. However, the strategists said that after the rate decision, the pound should continue to rise against the dollar as the risk premium surrounding the UK budget in November is likely to subside in the coming weeks. There is room for improvement in pound/dollar positioning as market sentiment towards the dollar weakens. In contrast, the strategists said that the pound may weaken against the euro if progress is made on a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.