Silver climbed above $41 per ounce on Wednesday, holding near 14-year highs as traders increased wagers on US Federal Reserve rate cuts. On Tuesday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the US economy likely added 911,000 fewer jobs in the 12 months through March, or about 76,000 fewer per month, underscoring a weaker labor market than previously estimated. Together with last week's soft August jobs report, the data reinforced expectations for a 25 basis point cut next week, though some investors are betting on a larger 50 basis point move. Attention now turns to key inflation figures...
Gold prices edged higher on Wednesday, holding above the critical $3,600-per-ounce level, buoyed by expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut this month, while key inflation reports due this week were also on investors' radar. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $3,635.329 per ounce, as of 0101 GMT, after hitting a record high of $3,673.95 on Tuesday. U.S. gold futures for December delivery eased 0.2% to $3,673.70. "Sentiment is really bullish. There are several major factors driving gold prices right now. The primary is U.S. rate cut expectations," Capital.com financial market analyst Kyle Rodda...
The British pound (GBP) traded higher against other major currencies, except for the Antipodean currencies, on Wednesday. The British currency showed strength as market sentiment remained optimistic amid strong expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates next week. On the domestic data front, investors are awaiting UK Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and factory data for July, scheduled for Friday. Monthly GDP growth in the UK economy is expected to stagnate after rising by 0.4% in June. Monthly Manufacturing and Industrial Production data are also expected to remain...