Gold Silver Reports – Global economic growth is slowing, according to the International Monetary Fund, policymakers and hundreds of economists polled by Reuters – but that downturn is coming at a time when central banks’ arsenals are running on empty.
Economic News (3rd Party)
Gold Hovers Near 10-month Peak Amid Steady Dollar After Fed Minutes
Gold prices were firm near a 10-month peak on Thursday, with the dollar holding steady in the wake of minutes from the latest U.S. Federal Reserve meeting that rekindled expectations of a possible rate hike later in the year.
Fed says Minutes to be Released on Time as Offices Close
The U.S. Federal Reserve said minutes of its January policy meeting would be released on Wednesday as scheduled though its offices in Washington would be closed due to bad weather.
China-U.S. Trade Talks ‘Making a Final Sprint’: State Media
Chinese state media on Saturday expressed cautious optimism over trade talks between the United States and China, a day after President Xi Jinping said a week of discussions had produced “step-by-step” progress.
Draghi’s Long Farewell May Delay ECB Guidance move
Gold Silver Reports (GSR) – Some European Central Bank policymakers are reluctant to alter their guidance on interest rates as a move could tie the hands of the bank’s next president many months before an appointment is even made, four sources close to the matter said.
Crude Prices up 1 Percent on Supply Report
International Brent crude oil futures were up 67 cents, or 1.1 percent, at $62.17 a barrel by 1230 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose by 51 cents, or nearly 1 percent, to $53.52.
U.S. Federal Reserve is Expected to Raise Interest Rates, But may cut the number of hikes in 2019
The central bank is due to announce its decision at 2 p.m. EST (1900 GMT) after its final two-day policy meeting of the year. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is scheduled to hold a press conference half an hour later.