In the US, strong data on the labor market spurred the growth of stock indices to new records

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 203.72 points (0.56%) to 36327.95 points. Standard & Poor's 500 rose by 17.47 points (0.37%), that is, to 4697.53 points. The Nasdaq Composite added 31.28 points (0.2%) to 15971.59 points.

Over the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.4%, the S&P 500 rallied 2%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 3%.

Pfizer Inc. Shares jumped in price by almost 11% by the end of trading. The pharmaceutical company said preliminary results from a trial of a drug it developed to treat COVID-19 showed 89 percent effectiveness. Pfizer plans to request FDA approval for the drug and expects to be able to begin shipping this year.

Merck & Co., another pharmaceutical company that is also developing a drug to treat COVID-19, fell 9.9%. Merck said last month that its drug reduced the risk of severe illness in 50% of cases.

Peloton Interactive Inc. collapsed by 35%. The company lowered its revenue forecast for the current year to $ 4.4-4.8 billion from the previously expected $ 5.4 billion, admitting that it underestimated the impact of the lifting of restrictions in the economy on its business. Peloton's sales forecast for the upcoming holiday season - $ 1.1-1.2 billion - turned out to be worse than the average forecast of experts polled by FactSet at $ 1.49 billion.

The papers of the portable camcorder manufacturer GoPro Inc. jumped 7.9% on the company's strong quarterly earnings. Earnings excluding one-off GoPro factors in the last quarter amounted to $ 0.34 per share, exceeding the consensus forecast of experts at the level of $ 0.2 per share, revenue increased by 13% to $ 317 million with an average market forecast of $ 292 million.

Uber Technologies Inc., which beat market forecasts in the third quarter, gained 4.2%, while Airbnb, which posted a record quarterly performance, gained 13%.

According to FactSet, about 82% of the S&P 500 companies that published their earnings for the past quarter beat earnings that beat analysts' expectations.

The number of jobs in the US economy in October increased by 531 thousand, at a maximum rate in three months, the Department of Labor said. According to the revised data, in September the figure increased by 312 thousand, and not by 194 thousand, as previously reported.

Unemployment in the United States fell to 4.6% in October, the lowest level since March 2020, down from 4.8% in September.

Experts on average expected an increase in the number of jobs in October by 450 thousand and a decrease in unemployment to 4.7%, according to data from Trading Economics.

The situation in the labor market is a key factor in the decisions of the Federal Reserve System (FRS) regarding the future level of the base interest rate. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said during a press conference following the November 2-3 meeting of the US Central Bank that the maximum employment in the US economy can be achieved by the second half of 2022.

At the last meeting, the Federal Reserve decided to start curtailing the asset repurchase program. The central bank said it will reduce the volume of asset buybacks in November by $ 15 billion and will continue to cut the program in December.

US stock indices finished trading lower

The Dow Jones Industrial Average on the basis of trading on Tuesday fell by 112.24 points (0.31%) and amounted to 36319.98 points.

Standard & Poor's 500 fell by 16.45 points (0.35%) - to 4685.25 points.

The Nasdaq Composite lost 95.81 points (0.6%) to 15886.54 points.

Some investors saw the market pullback as a little respite after several days of continuous gains. Strong company reports for the third quarter support the stock market, despite continued investor concerns about rising inflation and supply chain problems.

Statistics released on Tuesday showed a slight increase in the rate of rise in producer prices in October compared to the previous month - to 0.6% from 0.5% in September. The acceleration in growth was largely due to the rise in gasoline prices (6.7%). On an annualized basis, US producer prices jumped at a record 8.6%, as in the previous month.

In addition, the National Federation of Independent Business reported that the small business optimism indicator dropped 0.8 percentage points in October, to 98.2 points, the lowest since March.

General Electric Co. rose 2.7% by the end of trading on Tuesday. The American concern announced that it will split operations into three independent public companies.

Tesla Inc. lost almost 12% in price.

The price of securities of the developer of the online video game platform Roblox Corp. soared by 42%.

Car rental Hertz Global Holdings Inc. plunged 9.8% on its Nasdaq debut.

Boeing shares fell 0.9%.

Cruise operator Royal Caribbean's share price fell 2.5% on news of the imminent resignation of the company's chief executive Richard Fane, who has held the post since 1988.

US stock indices finished trading with multidirectional dynamics

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 158.71 points (0.44%) to 35921.23 points. Standard & Poor's 500 rose by 2.56 points (0.06%), that is, to 4649.27 points. The Nasdaq Composite gained 81.58 points (0.52%) and amounted to 15704.28 points.

Tesla Inc. Stock Quote decreased by 0.4%. Tesla CEO Elon Musk this week sold shares in the company for a total of about $ 5 billion. On Monday, he exercised options to buy more than 2 million Tesla shares, which he received as compensation, for a total of $ 2.5 billion. options amounted to about $ 13.4 million.

Lordstown Motors Corp. rose 23.2% after rising more than 20% in additional trading on Wednesday. The electric car maker has struck a deal to sell its plant to Foxconn for $ 230 million.

Twitter Inc. Papers decreased by 0.7%. The company is creating a team that will develop a strategy for the future use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in general within the social network.

Walt Disney Co. decreased by 7.1%. The world's largest entertainment and media company posted weaker-than-expected earnings and revenues in its fiscal fourth quarter and saw a significant slowdown in subscriber growth for its Disney + streaming service.

Beyond Meat shares fell 13.3%. The American manufacturer of plant-based meat substitutes increased its net loss 2.8 times, while its revenue was worse than forecast.

Yesterday, traders' attention was focused on the statistics published the day before, which indicated a significant acceleration of inflation in the US last month.

According to the Department of Labor, consumer prices in the United States in October rose by 6.2% compared with the same month last year - the highest rate in almost 31 years (since November 1990). A month earlier, inflation in the US was 5.4%, and experts expected it to accelerate in October to 5.8%.

The jump in energy prices in the United States last month amounted to 30% in annual terms, gasoline rose in price by 49.6%. The rate of growth in the cost of food, which amounted to 5.3%, was the highest since January 2009.

According to Ryan Detrick, senior market strategist at LPL Financial, inflation remains steadily high, surprising many who expected prices to return to normal more quickly. He also added that it is impossible to close the $ 20 trillion economy and not feel obstacles in the process of opening it, but we hope that supply chain problems will be resolved in the coming months, and inflation will stabilize.

USDCAD bullish bounce | 16th Nov 2021

On the H4, with price moving above our ichimoku cloud, we have a bullish bias that price will bounce from 1st support at 1.24935 in line with the graphical swing overlap support and 38.2% Fibonacci retracement to our 1st resistance at 1.26028 in line with the horizontal overlap resistance and possibly to 2nd resistance at 1.27083 in line with our horizontal overlap resistance and 100% Fibonacci projection level. Alternatively, we may see price break 1st support structure and head for 2nd support at 1.24100 in line with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level and horizontal swing low support.

Trading Recommendation

Entry: 1.24935
Reason for Entry:
graphical swing overlap support and 38.2% Fibonacci retracement
Take Profit: 1.26028
Reason for Take Profit:
horizontal overlap resistance
Stop Loss: 1.24100
Reason for Stop Loss:
61.8% Fibonacci retracement level and horizontal swing low support

US shares lower at close of trade; Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.58%

At the close in New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones lost 0.58%, the S&P 500 lost 0.26% and the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.33%.

In the leaders of growth among the components of the Dow Jones at the end of today's trading were shares of Apple Inc, which rose in price by 2.49 points (1.65%), to close at 153.49. Home Depot Inc rose 0.64% or 2.52 points to end trades at 394.85. Johnson & Johnson rose 0.38% or 0.61 points to close at 163.28.

The biggest losers were Visa Inc Class A, which fell 4.70% or 10.12 points to end the session at 205.06. Goldman Sachs Group Inc gained 2.86% or 11.54 points to end at 391.55, while Merck & Company Inc was down 1.80% or 1.51 points to close at around 82.60.

TJX Companies Inc, which gained 5.83% to 73.55, gained 3.25% to close at 1.089.01, and also General Motors Company shares rose 3.19% to end the session at 64.61.

The biggest losers were TechnipFMC PLC, which fell 7.31% to close at 6.720. APA Corporation shed 6.62% to end the session at 27.66. HollyFrontier Corporation was down 6.12% to 32.54.

The growth leaders among the components of the NASDAQ Composite index at the end of today's trading were InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc, which rose 39.29% to 1.950, Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals Inc, which gained 30.96%, to close at 18.400, and Where Food Comes From Inc, which added 29.26% to end at 14.60.

The biggest losers were StoneCo Ltd, which fell 34.62% to close at 20.70. Odonate Therapeutics shed 29.39% to end the session at 2.330. Bit Brother Ltd was down 28.93% to 1.2650.

On the New York Stock Exchange, the number of securities that fell (2,227) exceeded the number of those that closed in positive territory (1,026), while the quotations of 138 shares remained practically unchanged. On the NASDAQ stock exchange 2637 companies fell in price, 1107 rose, and 182 remained at the level of the previous close.

General Motors Company shares rose to an all-time high, gaining 3.19%, 2.00 points, to close at 64.61. Home Depot Inc rose to an all-time high, rising 0.64%, 2.52 points to trade at 394.85. StoneCo Ltd fell to a 52-week low, down 34.62%, 10.96 points to end at 20.70. Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals Inc rose to a 52-week high, rising 30.96%, 4.350 points to trade at 18,400. Odonate Therapeutics fell to historic lows, down 29.39%, 0.970 points to trade at 2.330.

The CBOE Volatility Index, which is based on S&P 500 options trading, was up 4.52% to trade at 17.11.

Gold Futures for December delivery was up 0.80% or 14.85 to $ 1,868.95 a troy ounce. In other commodities, WTI crude oil futures for January delivery fell 3.09%, or 2.46, to $ 77.28 a barrel. Futures contracts for Brent oil for January delivery fell 2.80% or 2.31 to trade at $ 80.12 a barrel.

Meanwhile, on the Forex market, EUR / USD was up 0.02% to hit 1.1321, while USD / JPY was down 0.61% to hit 114.12.

The US Dollar Index Futures was down 0.12% at 95.793.

European equities tumble on news of Austrian lockdown

Earlier this week, Austria became the first European country to impose travel restrictions on people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. The republic has the lowest level of vaccination in the region, that is, 65%.

In addition, in Germany this week the record for the number of cases per day was broken - more than 65 thousand people. The country's health minister Jens Spahn did not rule out the possibility of introducing a nationwide lockdown. According to Spahn, the situation is now even more serious than it was a week ago.

The composite index of the largest enterprises in the region Stoxx Europe 600 fell by 0.3% and amounted to 486.08 points.

The German DAX dropped 0.3%, the French CAC 40 - 0.4%, the British FTSE 100 - 0.5%. Italy's FTSE MIB and Spain's IBEX lost 1.2% and 0.5%, respectively.

The European Central Bank (ECB) should not rush to tighten monetary policy, even in the face of "unwanted and painful" inflation, said ECB President Christine Lagarde. The main factors driving inflation - supply chain problems and rising energy prices - will ease over the medium term, she said.

Retail sales in the UK in October rose from the previous month for the first time in six months - by 0.8%, but decreased by 1.3% compared to October last year, according to the National Statistical Office (ONS) of the country.

At the same time, the consumer confidence index in the country in November rose by three points compared to the previous month and amounted to minus 14 points, according to data from GfK NOP Ltd., which calculates this indicator. The indicator increased for the first time in four months.

Producer prices in Germany in October increased by 18.4% compared to the same month last year, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis). Growth was at its highest since November 1951.

British home improvement chain Kingfisher was down 4.4%. The company in the third quarter of this year reduced its revenue by 2.4%. However, the report marks a strong start to the fourth quarter.

Irish low-cost airline Ryanair Holdings lost 2.3%. The carrier is set to delist its shares from the London Stock Exchange on 20 December. Ryanair noted that the company's stock trading volume on the LSE does not justify the cost of maintaining the listing.

The banking sector lost the most at the end of trading: shares of Raiffeisen Bank International AG fell by almost 7%, Deutsche Bank AG - by 5%, Erste Group Bank AG - by 5.2%, UniCredit S.p.A. - by 4.5%.

The shares of the IT company Amadeus IT Group S.A. were also in the red. (-4.8%) and Wizz Air Holdings PLC (-4.6%).

The growth leaders in the Stoxx 600 were shares of the British online grocery chain Ocado Group (+ 6.8%), the Polish manufacturer of electronic check-in terminals InPost (+ 7.4%), the French luxury goods manufacturer Hermes International (+ 5.2% ), delivery service operators Just Eat Takeaway.com NV (+ 6.3%) and Deliveroo PLC (+ 4.4%).

Analysis and trading tips for EUR/USD on November 24

Analysis of transactions in the EUR / USD pair

There was a signal to buy in EUR / USD on Tuesday, but the increase was limited because the MACD line was far from zero. But when a signal to sell appeared, the pair rose even though the MACD line was already in the overbought area. This continued for the rest of the day. The upward movement was around 15 pips.

Euro rallied yesterday, thanks to better-than-anticipated reports on manufacturing and service PMI in the Euro area. Meanwhile, the statements of ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos were ignored even though he mentioned the need for stricter inflation control.

The observed bullish momentum may continue today if the data on business conditions, assessments of the current situation and economic expectations come out stronger than the forecasts. ECB board member Fabio Panetta will also speak, and it could push euro higher if he mentions inflationary pressures

In the afternoon, US will release a report on Q3 GDP, which could raise dollar demand if the figure is revised for the better. Data on jobless claims, income and expenses will also be published, followed by the minutes of the recent Fed meeting. If the protocol does not indicate aggressive intentions of the committee members, demand for dollar will decline.

For long positions:

Buy euro when the quote reaches 1.1253 (green line on the chart) and take profit at the price of 1.1299. Demand will increase if the Euro area reports very strong economic statistics.

Before buying, make sure that the MACD line is above zero, or is starting to rise from it. It is also possible to buy at 1.1227, but the MACD line should be in the oversold area, as only by that will the market reverse to 1.1253 and 1.1299.

For short positions:

Sell euro when the quote reaches 1.1227 (red line on the chart) and take profit at the price of 1.1185. Demand will decline if the situation with COVID-19 escalates. Weak data from Germany and strong statistics from US will also provoke a decrease in EUR / USD.

Before selling, make sure that the MACD line is below zero, or is starting to move down from it. Euro could also be sold at 1.1283, but the MACD line should be in the overbought area, as only by that will the market reverse to 1.1255 and 1.1216.

Forecast for EUR/USD on November 29, 2021

The euro corrected upward by 120 points on Thursday and Friday last week, turning around without reaching the target level of 1.1170. Growth may continue to 1.1375 - the highs on November 18 or slightly higher towards the MACD line. The Marlin Oscillator has grown sharply, now it can be in free roaming for some time, which will affect the price in a wide-range sideways movement. So far, this range is defined by the levels 1.1170-1.1375.

On the four-hour scale chart, the price managed to get above both indicator lines - above the balance line and the MACD line. The Marlin Oscillator has grown up high, but it is not yet in the overbought zone, so the price has the prospect of reaching the level of 1.1375. The recovery of the bearish trend will occur when the price moves below the MACD line, below 1.1235. But taking into account the situation on the daily scale, there is a significant likelihood of a false price drift under the MACD line, and then, after the target level of 1.1170 has been worked out, the price may again turn into corrective growth.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell will speak tonight at a social event in New York, tomorrow in the Senate before the Banking Committee, and the day after tomorrow in the House of Representatives. Also tomorrow we will have John Williams, Richard Clarida and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. It may very well be that the risks associated with the emergence of a new strain of the Omicron coronavirus will be affected, and then the maturing expectations of 2 or even 3 rate hikes next year will disappear, and the euro will begin to recover its lost positions.

Forecast for USD/JPY on November 29, 2021

As a result of Friday's collapse in the stock markets (Euro Stoxx 50 - 4.74%, S&P 500 -2.27%), the yen strengthened against the dollar by 1.72% (197 points). The first bearish target was reached, the price slowed down on the embedded price channel line of the weekly timeframe. Now, according to the main scenario, the price will have to overcome the support of the MACD indicator line at 113.06, after which the 110.75 target will open in front of it - the lower line of the price channel. The Marlin Oscillator has forcefully entered the territory of the downward trend, divergence with the price is formed and confirmed. We look forward to further price reductions.

On the four-hour chart, the price has consolidated below both indicator lines - below the balance line and the MACD line. The Marlin Oscillator is already leaving the oversold zone, which tells us about the impending price correction before its further decline. The limit of such a correction is seen as the Fibonacci level of 50.0% at 114.30, which is the November 12 high (checkmark).

Technical analysis recommendations of EUR/USD and GBP/USD on December 1, 2021

EUR/USD

The bears descended to the area of the final border of the monthly Ichimoku gold cross (1.1290) last month. It was not possible to break through the level, the closing of the month was indicated by a long lower shadow of the monthly candle. Therefore, the bulls now have opportunities to develop the rebound from the encountered support. In this situation, it will be possible to make further plans and consider new upward prospects after the formation of a rebound from 1.1290 and consolidation above the important resistance zone of 1.1439 - 1.1492, where several of the strongest levels in the higher timeframes combined (monthly levels + weekly short-term trend + closing levels of the daily Ichimoku cross).

Yesterday, the nearest resistance along the way was tested – the daily Fibo Kijun (1.1379). Alternatively, the breakdown of the monthly support at 1.1290 and the update of the November low (1.1186), will allow us to consider continuing the decline and strengthening the bearish mood. In this case, the closest downward pivot point will be the weekly target for the breakdown of the cloud (1.0806 - 1.0960).

The bulls in the smaller timeframes limited themselves yesterday to testing the final border of the classic pivot levels and failed to continue the rise further. At the moment, they still have the advantage. Today, their intraday pivot points are set at 1.1402 - 1.1467 - 1.1550 (classic pivot levels). The key support levels, which are now located at 1.1319 (central Pivot level) and 1.1267 (weekly long-term trend), allow the bulls to defend their interests despite the long-term trading in the correction zone.

A consolidation below will change the current balance of power and bring back the relevance of bearish targets, such as the minimum extremum (1.1186) and the support of the classic pivot levels (1.1254 - 1.1171 - 1.1106).

GBP/USD

The bears tried to reach the monthly support (1.3164) at the end of the previous month but failed to test the level or close the month next to it. Nevertheless, November indicated the nearest bearish plans – entering the bearish zone relative to the weekly Ichimoku cloud (1.3248) and breaking through the monthly support (1.3164).

As for the bulls, it is important for them to keep their position above the current support and attraction zone 1.3248 (lower border of the weekly cloud) - 1.3164 (monthly Fibo Kijun), regain support for the daily short-term trend (1.3351), and also strive to restore their positions to weekly levels (1.3516-76), eliminate the daily dead cross (1.3503 - 1.3586) and rise to the daily Ichimoku cloud.

Bullish traders in the smaller intervals failed to consolidate above the key levels and reverse the moving average yesterday, which resulted in the continuing struggle for key levels. Today's key levels are at 1.3286 (central pivot level) and 1.3322 (weekly long-term trend). A movement below the levels gives preference to the bears. Their pivot points are currently set at 1.3203 - 1.3109 - 1.3026 (support for the classic pivot levels). It is worth noting that the aforementioned levels give preference to the bulls. Their upward targets are at 1.3380 - 1.3463 - 1.3557 (resistance levels of the classic pivot levels).

Is USD dependent on stock market?

The US dollar is again undergoing a period of volatility, with rare periods of stability, as USD traders await the US labor market report.

Early on Friday, December 3, EUR/USD was trading at 1.1289, below the previous closing price of 1.1299. The US currency edged up slightly before the release of non-farm payrolls, fuelled by concerns over the new Omicron strain, which have now eased.

As markets remain relatively calm, the US dollar has strengthened its position in the run-up to the non-farm payroll release. Strong US labor market data would clear the way for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates early, analysts say.

Recently, the US dollar has been moving largely under the influence of key interest rate changes, with safe-haven investment demand affecting it only negligibly. The American currency rate has been highly dependent on the global stock market - a new norm, according to some experts.

At this moment, the USD cash flow is determined by equity volatility, as well as risk hedging related to it. Earlier, the inverse correlation was in effect. The Fed's key interest rate is crucial for the market. The yield of US 2-year treasury bonds, which is closely connected with the Deutsche Bank volatility index, is used to determine the future rate. Amid spiraling inflation, investors expect an early rate hike, which would push up the bond yield and the US dollar.

The US non-farm payrolls are in focus at the end of the week. The unemployment rate is expected to go down to 4.5%, with non-farm employment projected to increase by 550,000. The amount of jobless claims fell below 2 million for the first time since the pandemic began.

Strong US labor market data are unlikely to propel the dollar upward, but it could limit the pessimistic sentiment over the spread of Omicron variant, and allow the Fed to go through with the plan to wind down QE and hike the rates in 2022.

While the markets remain somewhat volatile, with strong NFP expectations stabilizing it slightly, the greenback is likely to maintain upside potential. Satisfactory payroll data and the possibility of an earlier end of QE would push the dollar up.

According to an outlook by Goldman Sachs, the Fed is expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points three times - in June, September, and December, followed by further monetary tightening. Downside risks for the global economy caused by Omicron would boost demand for USD as a safe-haven, giving it support, Goldman Sachs analysts note.

Forecast for GBP/USD on December 7, 2021

The outlook for the British pound's growth looks optimistic. The convergence with the Marlin Oscillator is strengthening, the target of 1.3410 - Fibonacci level of 123.6% is slightly opening. But in order for it to become fully open, the price needs to overcome the immediate resistance of the 138.2% Fibonacci level at 1.3315. Failure could push the price down to the 161.8% Fibonacci level (1.3160).

The price convergence with Marlin is formed on the four-hour chart. At the moment, the signal line of the oscillator is crossing the border with the territory of growth. The price goes to attack the 138.2% Fibonacci level and the MACD line. Success will open the specified target of 1.3410.

Forecast for AUD/USD on December 7, 2021

In yesterday's review, we identified the Australian dollar's 0.7007/65 range as free roaming territory. At the moment, the price is approaching the upper level of this range, but the price does not show a clear intention to overcome it - the Marlin Oscillator is weakening and shows a sign of a downward reversal. Success, however, will allow the price to hit the 0.7107 target level, which is the Aug 20 low.

The price is still in a downward trend on the four-hour chart. Even the leading oscillator Marlin has not yet left the negative zone. It will probably do this when the price moves above the 0.7065 level.

But the MACD indicator line is next to the 0.7107 target level, which can slow down the upward movement. Therefore, it will only be possible to count on a medium-term price growth after the price breaks above 0.7107. Overcoming the support at 0.7007 will open the bearish target level of 0.6950.

Today, the Reserve Bank of Australia is publishing a decision on monetary policy, so a strong momentum in any direction is possible.

Gold falls while waiting for a strong impulse

Gold is stuck again in a narrow price range. On Wednesday, the level of $1,780 seemed to magnetize gold quotes to itself. They were brought into a state of stupor by comprehensive uncertainty.

The precious metal ended yesterday's session with a very modest increase. It rose by less than 0.1% or 80 cents. The final price was $1,785.50, although its price reached the high ($1,794. 30) since December 1.

Gold failed to gain a foothold at a level close to the key one due to the lack of convincing impulses. At the moment, all the factors that one way or another may affect the pricing of the yellow asset look vague.

This concerns the situation with a new strain of coronavirus, the future course of the US Federal Reserve, as well as the risk of a military conflict in Ukraine. Now, the market expects certainty on all these issues.

Omicron can still help

The panic over the new COVID-19 strain, which has been observed over the past almost 2 weeks, is gradually fading. Investors are again showing interest in risky assets such as stocks. On Wednesday, US stock markets closed in a positive zone after receiving good news from Pfizer.

The pharmaceutical company reported that during laboratory tests, 3 doses of its vaccine managed to neutralize the "Omicron" strain. In addition, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said that a new vaccine, which, if necessary, will be developed specifically for this COVID-19 mutation, may be ready by March next year.

As concerns about Omicron weaken, traders' appetite for a safe haven asset decreases. However, experts believe that now is not the right time to part with gold.

According to analyst Ross Norman, the value of the yellow asset may still find support from coronavirus risks in the near future, since investors will focus at the end of the year on the prospect of introducing more serious lockdowns due to the active spread of Omicron.

Is the Fed's strategy a real threat?

The next meeting of the US central bank on monetary policy will be held on December 14-15. Many analysts are confident that the easing of concerns about the new COVID-19 strain, which is observed this week, actually frees the hands of the US Federal Reserve.

Now, all the attention of the regulator is focused on accelerating the pace of curtailing the asset purchase program, which was launched at the beginning of the pandemic. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said that it would be advisable not to delay this issue and consider it at the next meeting.

Such a rush is due to the fact that the central bank is striving to start raising interest rates as soon as possible and increased inflation no longer seems to the regulator to be a temporary phenomenon.

Some experts believe that the trigger may be tomorrow's publication of the consumer price index in the United States. Economists expect annual inflation to rise to the highest level in recent decades.

Before the release of important statistics, the yield on US Treasury bonds rose above 1.5%, which put pressure on gold. However, the metal managed to resist a sharp decline and even closed in a positive zone, as the dollar index turned out to be weaker than the euro and fell by 0.5% on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, market strategist Ricardo Evangelista predicts that the US currency will appreciate in the coming days. He said that this currency will find support as soon as the Fed's hawkish stance becomes more evident. This will deal a devastating blow to gold.

Gold loves geopolitical risks

Another important factor in the gold market, which has been closely watched by investors in recent days, is the escalation of the military conflict on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

Gold, which loves geopolitical risks, has responded to the long-awaited negotiations with small growth. During the day, it rose by 0.3%. However, there is no significant increase in the demand for a safe shelter in the market now, because "nothing has changed" after the negotiations and there is still great uncertainty around this situation, analyst Jeff Wright said.

Meanwhile, Market strategist Jim Vykoff believes gold will ultimately benefit from the meeting's failure to de-escalate Russia's intentions to invade Ukraine.

According to him, the situation will become even tenser. This means that safe-haven assets (gold and silver) are likely to be more in demand in the near future.