Gold prices gained momentum as both the U.S. dollar index and Treasury yields retreated, with spot prices rising 0.4% to $2,687.59 per ounce and futures climbing over 1% to $2,710.00. Markets are particularly focused on upcoming CPI data, expected to show annual inflation increasing to 2.9% from November’s 2.7%. According to Saxo Bank’s Ole Hansen, market uncertainty is heightened by both the pending inflation data and political considerations, including Trump’s proposed import tariffs that could impact inflation and complicate the Federal Reserve’s rate decisions. Despite Tuesday’s moderate PPI increase, analysts suggest rate cuts may not materialize until the second half of the year.

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Americans Are Struggling and Markets Are Noticing
After weeks of data blackout, the picture isn’t pretty. Jobless claims show a cooling labor market while consumer sentiment crashes to near-record lows. Credit card delinquencies just hit 15-year highs with Americans carrying $1.2 trillion in debt. The S&P 500 faces its longest losing streak since August. Meanwhile, wealthy investors are leasing out gold bars for yield. Today’s Nuggets explore the cracks in the consumer economy and how smart money is responding.




