The world of gold futures experienced a downward trend on Wednesday, September 13th, following the release of August’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) data by the United States. Concurrently, the market grappled with the robust performance of the dollar, rendering gold less appealing to investors.
Gold futures witnessed a decline of $2.60, equating to a 0.13% drop, ultimately closing at $1,932.50 per ounce. The pullback in gold prices mirrored a broader market response to economic indicators and shifts in currency valuations:
- Silver followed suit, falling by 22.10 cents or 0.94%, concluding at $23.181 per ounce.
- Platinum futures observed a decline of $7.60, equal to a 0.83% drop, finishing at $905.20 per ounce.
- In contrast, palladium futures registered an increase of $15.50, marking a 1.2% rise, and settling at $1,260.80 per ounce.
The catalyst behind this decline in the precious metals market was the U.S. Labor Department’s release of the CPI data, which gauges inflation within consumer spending. According to the report, the CPI exhibited a year-on-year increase of 3.7% in August, surpassing analysts’ expectations that had forecasted a more conservative 3.6%. This data point, following July’s 3.2% rise, underscored the persistent inflationary pressures within the U.S. economy.
On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6% in August, in line with market expectations. This was in contrast to the 0.2% increase seen in July.
When focusing on the core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy sectors, it also revealed a notable year-on-year increase of 4.3% in August, aligning with forecasted figures. The core CPI had experienced a sharper rise in July, recording a 4.7% increase. On a month-to-month basis, the core CPI increased by 0.3% in August, surpassing analysts’ expectations of a more modest 0.2% rise after a 0.2% gain in July.
The release of these CPI numbers for August led to significant shifts in market sentiment. Investors have now assigned a 97% probability that the Federal Reserve will maintain interest rates within the range of 5.25% to 5.50% during the September 19-20 meeting. However, this confidence wanes for the November meeting, with only a 61% probability that the Fed will hold interest rates steady at that time.
One of the influencing factors behind these market dynamics is the strength of the U.S. dollar, as reflected in the dollar index against a basket of six major currencies. This index rose by 0.06% to reach 104.7727. A stronger dollar makes gold contracts, which are priced in dollars, more expensive for investors holding other currencies.
As investors and analysts continue to dissect the implications of the CPI data and monitor shifts in currency valuations, the precious metals market remains poised for ongoing volatility in response to evolving economic conditions.
The Spot Market is Open
Thursday, September 14, 2023
| Metals Updated at | USD Bid/Ask | Ounce Change | Low/High |
| Gold 11.15 | 1,908.60 1,909.60 | +1.00 +0.05% | 1,906.80 1,913.30 |
| Silver 11.15 | 22.73 22.83 | -0.08 -0.35% | 22.72 23.06 |
| Platinum 11.15 | 902.00 912.00 | +2.00 +0.22% | 900.00 914.00 |
| Palladium 10.25 | 1,232.00 1,292.00 | +4.00 +0.33% | 1,227.00 1,296.00 |
| Rhodium 05.00 | 3,450.00 4,550.00 | 0.00 0.00% | 3,450.00 4,550.00 |