Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: August 4 - 8

                                     Gold futures bounced off a six-week low to end Friday’s session almost 1% higher, following the release of weaker than expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for July.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, goldfor December delivery jumped 0.94%, or $12.00, on Friday to end the week at $1,294.80 a troy ounce.

Prices fell to a session low of $1,281.00 an ounce earlier Friday, the weakest level since June 19.

Gold prices were likely to find support at $1,276.20, the low from June 19 and resistance at $1,314.60, the high from July 29.

Gold regained strength after the U.S. Department of Labor said non-farm payrolls rose by a seasonally adjusted 209,000 in July, below expectations for an increase of 233,000.

The unemployment rate ticked up to 6.2% last month from 6.1% in June. Analysts had expected the jobless rate to hold steady at 6.1% in July.

The disappointing jobs report dampened optimism over the strength of the labor market and reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin to raise rates sooner than previously thought.

Despite Friday’s strong gains, Comex gold prices declined 0.65%, or $8.50, on the week, the third consecutive weekly loss, as strong U.S. economic data underlined the view that the recovery is gaining momentum.

Official data on Wednesday showed that U.S. economy grew at an annual rate of 4.0% in the three months to June, outstripping forecasts of 3.0% and following a contraction of 2.1% in the first three months of the year.

Meanwhile, the Fed cut its asset purchase program by $10 billion to $25 billion per month at the conclusion of its two-day meeting on Wednesday, staying on course to end the bond-buying program in October.

Gold has been under heavy selling pressure in recent weeks as an improving U.S. economy fuelled speculation that the Fed will hike interest rates sooner than expected, which would reduce the need for gold for use as a hedge against loose monetary policy.

Data from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission released Friday showed that hedge funds and money managers decreased their bullish bets in gold futures in the week ending July 29.

Net longs totaled 122,092 contracts, down 10.3% from net longs of 136,120 in the preceding week.

Also on the Comex, silver for September delivery shed 0.2%, or 4.1 cents, on Friday to settle the week at $20.37 a troy ounce. Prices slumped to a daily low of $20.24 earlier in the session, the cheapest since June 19.

On the week, the September silver futures contract lost 1.26%, or 26.0 cents, the third straight weekly decline.

Data from the CFTC showed that net silver longs totaled 41,699 contracts as of last week, compared to net longs of 46,221 contracts in the preceding week.

Elsewhere in metals trading, copper for September delivery declined 0.51%, or 1.6 cents, on Friday to end the week at $3.214 a pound by close of trade.

On the week, Comex copper prices fell 0.8%, or 2.9 cents a pound, as investors gauged the health of China’s manufacturing sector.

Official data released Friday showed that China's manufacturing purchasing managers’ index rose to a two-year high of 51.7 in July from 51.0 in June, beating market expectations for a 51.4 reading.

Still, China's HSBC final manufacturing PMI for July ticked down to 51.7 from a preliminary reading of 52.0. Analysts had expected the index to remain unchanged.

China is the world's biggest buyer of copper, accounting for roughly 40% of the market.

According to the CFTC, net copper longs totaled 38,859 contracts as of last week, down from net longs of 44,107 contracts in the preceding week.

In the week ahead, investors will be focusing on the outcomes of a spate of central bank meetings, with the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan, the Bank of England and the Reserve Bank of Australia all to hold monetary policy assessments. - investing.com

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Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: July 28 - August 1

                          Gold futures rallied 1% on Friday, as investors continued to monitor geopolitical concerns in the Gaza strip and Ukraine.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, goldfor August delivery jumped 0.97%, or $12.50, on Friday to end the week at $1,303.30 a troy ounce.

Gold prices were likely to find support at $1,287.50, the low from July 24 and resistance at $1,316.80, the high from July 22.

Gold’s safe haven appeal was boosted on Friday as investors continued to closely watch an intensifying geopolitical crisis between Moscow and the West over the situation in Ukraine.

The Pentagon said Friday that Russia has escalated the violence in Ukraine and may be set to provide more sophisticated weapons to pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

Meanwhile, fighting between Israel and Hamas showed little sign of abating, despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. to reach a ceasefire.

Gold is often seen as a haven investment in times of geopolitical uncertainty.

Despite Friday’s strong gains, Comex gold prices declined 0.46%, or $6.10 an ounce, on the week, the second consecutive weekly loss.

Gold tumbled to a five-week low of $1,287.50 on Thursday after upbeat U.S. economic data added to speculation that the Federal Reserve will hike interest rates sooner than expected.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that the number of individuals filing for initial jobless benefits in the week ending July 19 declined by 19,000 to hit an eight-year low of 284,000.

On Friday, the Census Bureau said that U.S. durable goods orders rose 0.7% in June, beating expectations for a 0.5% gain. Core durable goods orders, which are stripped of transportation items, grew 0.8% in June, beating expectations for a 0.6% gain.

The data primed market expectations for the Fed to wind down its bond-buying stimulus program around October and raise interest rates in 2015, which would reduce the need for gold for use as a hedge against loose monetary policy.

In the week ahead, investors will be looking ahead to Wednesday’s monetary policy announcement by the Federal Reserve. The U.S. will also release the monthly non-farm payrolls report for July later in the week as well as a preliminary estimate on second quarter economic growth.

Data from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission released Friday showed that hedge funds and money managers increased their bullish bets in gold futures in the week ending July 22.

Net longs totaled 136,120 contracts, up 3.1% from net longs of 131,971 in the preceding week.

Also on the Comex, silver for September delivery climbed 1.08%, or 22.1 cents, on Friday to settle the week at $20.63 a troy ounce, as investors returned to the market to seek cheap valuations after prices dropped to a five-week low on Thursday.

On the week, the September silver futures contract lost 1.19%, or 25.0 cents, the second straight weekly decline.

Data from the CFTC showed that net silver longs totaled 46,221 contracts as of last week, down slightly from net longs of 46,795 contracts in the preceding week.

Elsewhere in metals trading, copper for September delivery rallied to a daily high of $3.279 a pound on Friday, the most since July 13, before turning lower to end at $3.240 by close of trade, down 0.8%, or 2.6 cents.

On the week, Comex copper prices rose 1.72%, or 5.6 cents a pound as growing optimism over the health of the U.S. economy and speculation demand from top consumer China will increase in the near-term boosted prices.

According to the CFTC, net copper longs totaled 44,107 contracts as of last week, down from net longs of 48,994 contracts in the preceding week. -investing.com

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Gold, silver rebound ahead of U.S. retail sales data, Yellen testimony

                         Gold and silver futures regained strength on Tuesday, as investors looked ahead to highly anticipated comments by Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen later in the day as well as key U.S. data.

Gold tumbled to $1,302.20 an ounce on Monday, the lowest since June 19, before settling at $1,306.70, down 2.3%, or $30.70, as profit-taking and stronger global equities dented the precious metal's safe-haven appeal.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, goldfor August delivery tacked on 0.46%, or $6.00, to trade at $1,312.70 a troy ounce during U.S. morning hours. Prices held in a range between $1,306.70 and $1,314.50.

Gold futures were likely to find support at $1,302.20, the low from July 14 and resistance at $1,340.90, the high from July 14.

Also on the Comex, silver for September delivery inched up 0.64%, or 13.4 cents, to trade at $21.04 a troy ounce.

Market players were eyeing Fed Chair Yellen's testimony in a U.S. Senate committee at 10:00 a.m. Eastern for signs of when the central bank would begin increasing interest rates.

Before that, retail sales for June and the New York Fed Empire manufacturing index for July will be released.

In the minutes of the Fed's June policy meeting released last week, the Fed predicted an October close to its bond-buying stimulus program but did not hint at a timetable as to when interest rates may begin to rise afterwards.

Elsewhere in metals trading, copper for September delivery dipped 0.09%, or 0.3 cents, to trade at $3.246 a pound.

Copper traders looked ahead to a raft of Chinese economic data later this week, including reports on second quarter gross domestic product, industrial production and retail sales.

The Asian nation is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption.

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Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: July 14 - 18

          Gold futures ended Friday’s session little changed near a 16-week high, as demand for the precious metal remained supported amid renewed concerns over the health of Portugal’s banking sector and amid signs that U.S. interest rates will remain on hold for an extended period of time.

Gold hit $1,346.80 an ounce on Thursday, the most since March 19, before settling at $1,339.20, up 1.13%, or $14.90.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, goldfor August delivery slipped 0.13%, or $1.80, on Friday to end the week at $1,321.30 a troy ounce.

Gold prices were likely to find support at $1,312.10, the low from July 7 and resistance at $1,358.00, the high from March 19.

On the week, Comex gold advanced 1.2%, or $16.10 an ounce, the sixth consecutive weekly gain.

Gold prices rallied more than 1% on Thursday as concerns over the fiscal stability of Portugal’s Banco Espirito Santo (LISBON:BES) fuelled demand for safe haven assets, amid fears over the risk of contagion.

Concerns eased slightly on Friday after Portugal’s central bank said it was satisfied that the lender is able to fulfill its capital requirements.

Meanwhile, minutes of the Federal Reserve's June policy meeting released on Wednesday suggested that the central bank is in no rush to raise interest rates.

According to the minutes, officials agreed to end the central bank’s asset purchase program in October, however, little new information was revealed on when the bank could start to hike rates.

In the week ahead, investors will be watching testimony on monetary policy by Fed Chair Janet Yellen, as well as key data on June retail sales.

Data from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission released Friday showed that hedge funds and money managers increased their bullish bets in gold futures in the week ending July 8.

Net longs totaled 144,272 contracts, up 5.1% from net longs of 136,929 in the preceding week.

Also on the Comex, silver for September delivery shed 0.22%, or 4.7 cents, on Friday to settle the week at $21.46 a troy ounce, as traders locked in profits after a sharp rally the day before.

Prices hit $21.63 an ounce on Thursday, the most since March 16, before settling at $21.50, up 2.09%, or 44.0 cents.

The September silver futures contract rose 1.21%, or 26.0 cents, on the week, the sixth straight weekly gain.

Data from the CFTC showed that net silver longs totaled 44,517 contracts as of last week, compared to net longs of 36,697 contracts in the preceding week.

Elsewhere in metals trading, copper for September delivery eased up 0.06%, or 0.2 cents, on Friday to settle at $3.269 a pound by close of trade.

On the week, Comex copper prices inched down 0.03%, or 0.1 cents a pound.

Copper traders looked ahead to a raft of Chinese economic data this week, including reports on second quarter gross domestic product, industrial production and retail sales.

The Asian nation is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption last year.

According to the CFTC, net copper longs totaled 38,367 contracts as of last week, compared to net longs of 24,767 contracts in the preceding week. - investing.com

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Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: April 21 - 25

           Gold prices ended the week sharply lower on Thursday, falling below the $1,300 level as indications that the U.S. economic recovery is progressing dampened safe haven demand for the precious metal.

Gold came under pressure after upbeat U.S. data on manufacturing and employment pointed to underlying strength in the economy.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for June delivery ended Thursday’s session at $1,294.90 an ounce. The precious metal ended the week down 2.34%. The Comex was closed for Good Friday.

The Labor Department reported the number of people filing for unemployment benefits edged up to 304,000, below analysts’ forecasts and not far from the six-and-a-half year low of 300,000 touched the previous week.

A separate report showed that manufacturing activity in the Philadelphia region strengthened more than forecast in April.

Meanwhile, concerns over the crisis in eastern Ukraine eased on Thursday after Russia, Ukraine, the U.S. and the European Union said an agreement on steps to "de-escalate" the crisis had been reached.

Gold, seen as a safe haven investment, usually benefits from economic and geopolitical turmoil.

Concerns over weakening demand from top buyer China also weighed on gold prices.

Prices for the precious metal posted the largest one day decline since December 19 on Tuesday after the World Gold Council said that Chinese gold demand is likely to remain flat this year, as a result of the country's economic slowdown and constrained credit markets.

Elsewhere in metals trading, silver futures for May delivery rose 0.2% to $19.64 a troy ounce on the Comex, trimming the week’s losses to 1.59%.

Copper futures for May delivery edged up to $3.049 a pound at the close on Thursday, to end the holiday shortened week with gains of 0.24%. - investing.com

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Gold, silver inch lower ahead of ECB meeting, U.S. data

             Gold and silver prices weakened in cautious trade on Thursday, as investors stuck to the sidelines ahead of a policy meeting by the European Central Bank later in the day as well as the release of key U.S. economic data.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, goldfor June delivery held in a tight range between $1,285.80 a troy ounce and $1,294.20 an ounce.

Gold last traded at $1,287.50 an ounce during European morning hours, down 0.26%, or $3.40. Futures rallied 0.84%, or $10.80 an ounce, on Wednesday to settle at $1,290.80.

Gold futures were likely to find support at $1,277.40 a troy ounce, the low from April 1 and resistance at $1,299.30, the high from March 31.

Meanwhile, silver for May delivery lost 0.83%, or 16.7 cents, to trade at $19.88 a troy ounce. Silver ended Wednesday’s session up 1.84%, or 36.2 cents, to settle at $20.05 an ounce.

Silver futures were likely to find support at $19.63 an ounce, the low from April 1 and resistance at $20.14, the high from April 2.

Recent weak euro zone inflation data has added to pressure on the ECB to take steps to stave off the risk of deflation.

However, most investors expected the ECB to leave monetary policy on hold, after Bundesbank head Jens Weidmann said over the weekend that the region is not in a deflationary cycle, and that the recent slowdown in inflation was due in large part to temporary factors, such as falls in food and energy prices.

Market players also looked ahead to key U.S. economic data later in the day for further indications on the strength of the economy and the future course of monetary policy.

The U.S. is to publish the weekly report on initial jobless claims as well as a report on service sector activity. Investors were also beginning to turn their attention to Friday’s highly-anticipated nonfarm payrolls data.

On Wednesday, payroll processing firm ADP said non-farm private employment rose by a seasonally adjusted 191,000 in March, adding to hopes that the slowdown in economic activity seen at the start of the year would be temporary.

Gold and silver have been under heavy selling pressure in recent weeks as upbeat U.S. economic data underlined expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin to raise rates sooner than previously thought.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper for May delivery slumped 0.57%, or 1.7 cents, to trade at $3.028 a pound after China unveiled a mini-stimulus package, disappointing market expectations for more drastic measures.

China's State Council said Wednesday that it will increase spending on railways and housing, as policymakers attempt to boost slowing growth in Asia’s largest economy.

However, the announcement disappointed market participants, who had expected more stimulus in the form of looser monetary policy, such as a cut in bank reserve requirements.

Mixed data on China’s services sector also weighed. HSBC’s China services Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 51.9 last month from 51.0 in February, but the official nonmanufacturing PMI fell to 54.5 in March from 55.0 in the previous month.

The Asian nation is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption last year. - investing.com

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Silver futures fluctuate in rangebound trade

    Silver prices swung between small gains and losses in rangebound trade on Wednesday, as traders reassessed their expectations for how quickly the Federal Reserve will roll back its stimulus program.

Silver prices last traded at USD20.18 a troy ounce during European morning hours, up 0.15%. The March contract settled 0.2% higher on Tuesday to end at USD20.15 an ounce.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, silver for March delivery held in a range between USD20.08 a troy ounce and USD20.22 an ounce.

Silver futures were likely to find support at USD19.75 a troy ounce, the low from February 7 and resistance at USD20.27, the high from February 10.

Meanwhile, gold futures for April delivery shed 0.2% to trade at USD1,287.40 a troy ounce. Gold futures rallied to USD1,294.40 an ounce on Tuesday, the most since November 8, before trimming gains to settle at USD1,289.80, up 1.18%.

Prices were likely to find support at USD1,264.70 a troy ounce, the low from February 10 and resistance at USD1,313.30, the high from November 8.

In her first congressional testimony on Tuesday, Fed Chair Yellen said that the central bank would taper the pace of its asset purchases at future meetings if the economy continued to improve as expected.

She added that the pace of the central bank’s bond purchases are not on a “preset course”, while reiterating that Fed plans to hold interest rates at zero “well past” the time the jobless rate falls below 6.5%.

The testimony is coming amid fresh concerns over the outlook for the recovery, following the weakest two-month stretch of U.S. job creation in three years in December and January.

The Fed tapered its monthly asset purchase program by another USD10 billion to USD65 billion a month at its last policy meeting.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper futures for March delivery jumped 1.05% to trade at USD3.249 a pound.

Data released earlier showed that China’s trade surplus widened to USD31.86 billion last month from a surplus of USD25.6 billion in December, compared to estimates for a surplus of USD23.65 billion.

Chinese exports climbed 10.6% from a year earlier, beating expectations for a 2% increase and following a 4.3% gain in December. Imports rose 10%, compared to forecasts for a 3% increase.

The Asian nation is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption last year. - investing.com

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Gold, silver extend last week’s winning streak

               Gold and silver prices extended gains from last week on Monday, as a mixed U.S. employment report forced investors to recalibrate their assumptions about the future course of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.

Gold futures ended Friday’s session up 0.45% to settle at USD1,262.90 a troy ounce.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for April delivery hit USD1,276.00 a troy ounce, the most since January 27, before trimming gains to trade at USD1,274.60 during European morning hours, up 0.9%.

Prices were likely to find support at USD1,252.20 a troy ounce, the low from February 5 and resistance at USD1,279.20, the high from January 26.

Meanwhile, silver for March delivery rose 1.1% to trade at USD20.15 a troy ounce. The March contract settled 0.04% higher on Friday to end at USD19.93 an ounce.

Silver futures were likely to find support at USD19.75 a troy ounce, the low from February 7 and resistance at USD20.24, the high from February 5.

Data on Friday showed that the U.S. economy added 113,000 jobs in January, well below expectations for jobs growth of 185,000, after December's lackluster gain of 75,000 jobs.

It was the weakest two-month stretch of job creation in three years as inclement weather contributed to a slowdown in hiring.

Yet the report also showed that the number of people participating in the labor force edged up to 63% from a 30-year low of 62.8% last month, while the unemployment rate unexpectedly ticked down to a five year low 6.6% from 6.7% in December.

Market players now looked ahead to Congressional testimony from new Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen later in the week for clues regarding the future of course of U.S. monetary policy.

The Fed tapered its monthly asset purchase program by another USD10 billion to USD65 billion a month at its last policy meeting.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper futures for March delivery rose 0.1% to trade at USD3.239 a pound. - investing.com

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Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: February 10 - 14

       Gold futures ended Friday’s session higher, after disappointing U.S. nonfarm payrolls data reduced concerns over a further reduction in U.S. monetary stimulus.

Comex gold prices ended Thursday’s session little up 0.02% at USD1,257.20 a troy ounce.On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for April delivery rose to a session high of USD1,272.00 a troy ounce on Friday, before trimming gains to settle at USD1,262.90 by close of trade, up 0.78% on the day and 1.48% higher for the week.

Gold futures were likely to find support at USD1,240.40 a troy ounce, the low from February 3 and resistance at USD1,274.50, the high from February 5.

Meanwhile, silver for March delivery ended Friday’s session up 0.04% to close the week at USD19.93 a troy ounce. On Thursday, silver prices settled 0.62% higher at USD19.92 an ounce.

The March silver futures contract picked up 4.06% on the week, the first weekly gain in three weeks.

The U.S. economy added 113,000 jobs in January, the Labor Department said, well below expectations for jobs growth of 185,000, after December's lackluster gain of 75,000 jobs.

It was the weakest two-month stretch of job creation in three years as inclement weather contributed to a slowdown in hiring.

The unemployment rate inched down to a five-year low of 6.6% from 6.7% in December, while the number of people participating in the labor force edged up to 63.0% from an almost 35-year low of 62.8% last month.

The disappointing data cooled expectations that the Federal Reserve would cut its stimulus program again this month. The central bank said it will keep a close eye on economic indicators before deciding to wind down its stimulus program even further.

The Fed tapered its monthly asset purchase program by another USD10 billion to USD65 billion a month at its last policy meeting.

In the week ahead, Fed Chair Janet Yellen is to testify on the central bank’s semiannual monetary policy report in Washington. Her comments will be closely watched.

Data from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission released Friday showed that hedge funds and money managers reduced their bullish bets in gold futures in the week ending February 4.

Net longs totaled 59,408 contracts, compared to 60,672 in the preceding week.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper for March delivery hit a daily high of USD3.248 a pound on Friday, the most since January 30, before trimming gains to end at USD3.236 a pound, up 0.22%.

Comex copper prices added 1.2% on the week, the first weekly advanced in four weeks. - investing.com

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Silver falls to 4-week low after Fed tapers stimulus

             Silver futures fell to a four-week low on Thursday, after the Federal Reserve announced that it will taper its bond-buying program by USD10 billion a month.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, silver futures for March delivery fell to a session low of USD19.28 a troy ounce, the weakest since December 31, before trimming losses to trade at USD19.39 during European morning hours, down 0.8%.

The March contract settled 0.25% higher on Wednesday to end at USD19.55 an ounce. Silver futures were likely to find support at USD19.13 a troy ounce, the low from December 20 and resistance at USD19.96, the high from January 29.

Meanwhile, gold for April delivery traded at USD1,257.00 a troy ounce, down 0.4%.

The Fed said Wednesday that it would reduce its monthly bond buying program by USD10 billion to a total of USD65 billion a month, in a widely anticipated decision.

The U.S. central bank said growth signals are encouraging, and the unemployment market shows improvement "on balance".

The Fed left unchanged its statement that interest rates are likely to remain low even after the unemployment rate drops below 6.5%, the threshold at which the central bank has previously said it would start to consider rate increases.

The Fed added it will keep a close eye on economic indicators before deciding to wind down its stimulus program even further.

The U.S. is to publish preliminary data on fourth quarter economic growth. The nation is also to release the weekly report on initial jobless claims and data on pending home sales.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper futures for March delivery inched up 0.1% to trade at USD3.244 a pound. Copper prices slumped to a seven-week low of USD3.231 a pound earlier after data confirmed a contraction in China’s manufacturing sector.

China’s final HSBC Purchasing Managers Index released earlier fell to a six-month low of 49.5 in January from a preliminary reading of 49.6 and down from 50.5 in December.

China is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption last year - Investing.com

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Gold / Silver / Copper futures - weekly outlook: January 27 - 31

         Gold futures ended Friday’s session at a nine-week high, as steep losses in U.S. equities and emerging market currencies boosted the safe haven appeal of the precious metal.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery hit a session high of USD1,273.20 a troy ounce on Friday, the strongest level since November 20, before trimming gains to settle at USD1,264.30, up 0.16%. 

Comex gold prices rallied 1.91% on Thursday to settle at USD1,262.30 a troy ounce as investors fleeing risk in emerging markets saw gold as an attractive venue.

Gold futures were likely to find support at USD1,230.80 a troy ounce, the low from January 23 and near term resistance at USD1,275.70, the high from November 20. 

On the week, the February Comex gold contract added 1.67%, the fifth consecutive weekly increase and the longest run of weekly gains in 16 months.

A broad based selloff in financial markets Friday spurred safe haven demand, prompting investors to move money out of equities and into gold. U.S. stocks suffered their worst week since 2011, with the Dow plunging 318 points on Friday.

Market sentiment was hit by concerns over a slowdown in China after data on Thursday showed that the preliminary reading of the HSBC manufacturing index fell to a six-month low in January.

Meanwhile, a selloff in emerging markets accelerated on Friday, after the Turkish lira fell to the latest in a series of record lows against the dollar. South Africa’s rand, the Russian ruble and the Argentine peso all fell to multi-year lows against the greenback.

Emerging market currencies have been hard hit since the Federal Reserve announced plans last month to begin scaling back its asset purchase program.

Data from the Commodities Futures Trading Commission released Friday showed that hedge funds and money managers raised their bullish bets in gold futures in the week ending January 21.

Gross long gold positions declined by 179 contracts to 113,823, while gross short positions fell by 255 lots to 70,470. Net longs totaled 43,353 contracts, compared to 43,277 in the preceding week.

In the week ahead, Wednesday’s outcome of the Federal Reserve’s monthly meeting will be in focus amid expectations for a reduction to USD65 billion from the current USD75 billion in the bank’s stimulus program.

The policy-meeting will mark the last for outgoing Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, as current Vice Chair Janet Yellen prepares to take over.

In addition, the initial estimate of U.S. fourth quarter gross domestic product is reported on Thursday.

Elsewhere on the Comex, silver for March delivery ended Friday’s session down 1.22% to close the week at USD19.76 a troy ounce. The March silver futures contract lost 2.66% on the week. 

Meanwhile, copper for March delivery slumped to a daily low of USD3.260 a pound on Friday, the weakest since December 11, before trimming losses to end at USD3.271 a pound, down 0.43%.

Prices of the industrial metal dropped 1.54% on Thursday to settle at USD3.285 a pound as downbeat manufacturing data out of China fuelled concerns over the strength of the world’s second largest economy and biggest consumer of the industrial metal.

Comex copper prices declined 2.18% on the week. - investing.com

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Gold, silver prices under pressure ahead of key U.S. economic data

            Gold and silver prices were under pressure on Wednesday, as market players looked ahead to key U.S. economic data later in the day for further indications on the future course of U.S. monetary policy.

On the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange, gold futures for February delivery traded at USD1,236.60 a troy ounce during European morning trade, down 0.7%. 

Gold prices held in a range between USD1,235.30 a troy ounce and USD1,244.90 a troy ounce. Futures were likely to find support at USD1,226.60 a troy ounce, the low from January 10 and resistance at USD1,254.90, the high from January 14.

Meanwhile, silver for March delivery dropped 1.1% to trade at USD20.05 a troy ounce. Comex silver prices held in a range between USD20.03 a troy ounce and USD20.26 a troy ounce. Silver futures were likely to find support at USD19.54 a troy ounce, the low from January 10 and resistance at USD20.60, the high from January 14. 

The U.S. is to release data on producer price inflation and a report on manufacturing activity in the New York region later Wednesday.

Market players have closely been looking out for U.S. data reports recently to gauge if they will strengthen or weaken the case for the Federal Reserve to scale back stimulus.

Data released Tuesday showed that U.S. retail sales rose 0.2% in December, while core retail sales, which excludes auto sales, rose 0.7%.

The upbeat data helped bolster expectations that the economic recovery in the U.S. will continue to deepen this year and offset concerns over last week’s surprising poor nonfarm payrolls report for December.

Fed board members Charles Plosser and Richard Fisher yesterday called for an end to bond buying. The Fed announced its first cut to the USD85 billion in monthly bond purchases in December, citing an improving economy.

The central bank is scheduled to meet January 28-29 to review the economy and assess policy.

Elsewhere on the Comex, copper futures for March delivery fell 0.6% to trade at USD3.317 a pound. 

Copper prices moved lower after data showed that Chinese bank lending and money supply growth for December came in below expectations, underlining concerns over liquidity levels.

The Asian nation is the world’s largest copper consumer, accounting for almost 40% of world consumption last year. - investing.com

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