- Silver price extends losses amid a market caution on Wednesday.
- Fed is widely expected to maintain its current interest rates at March’s meeting.
- The prolonging of higher interest rates dampens metal prices including Silver.
Silver price loses ground for the third consecutive session, trading lower near $24.90 per troy ounce during early European trading hours on Wednesday. Silver price encounters challenges as the market adopts a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision.
The Fed is widely expected to maintain its current interest rates at March’s policy meeting. However, the potential for a hawkish tone from the Fed could exert pressure on metal prices, including Silver. Investors are closely monitoring the Fed's decision for any signals that may impact the future trajectory of interest rate cuts in 2024 and, consequently, metal prices.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell's press conference was a critical focal point. A hawkish stance from the Fed, suggesting prolonged high rates, could dampen demand for gold and its counterparts, reversing recent gains driven by rate cut expectations.
While other major central banks are expected to leave their current interest rates unchanged, market attention will focus on signals regarding the potential initiation of monetary easing. Inflationary pressures from the United States (US) prompted a readjustment of the probability of interest rate cuts in the June and July meetings by the Fed to around 59.2% and 76.0%, respectively. The prospect of higher interest rates has diminished the appeal of non-yielding assets like Silver.
Nevertheless, Silver could have received support from rising geopolitical tensions and an improved industrial outlook from China, the top metals consumer. China's industrial production, fixed asset investment, and retail sales have exceeded forecasts. The People's Bank of China (PBoC) has decided to keep policy rates unchanged at 3.45%.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stays vulnerable near 1.0600 ahead of US inflation data
EUR/USD remains under pressure near 1.0600 in European trading on Wednesday. The pair faces headwinds from the recent US Dollar upsurge, Germany's political instability and a cautiou market mood, as traders look to US CPI data and Fedspeak for fresh directives.
GBP/USD trades with caution near 1.2750, awaits BoE Mann, US CPI
GBP/USD trades with caution near 1.2750 in the European session on Wednesday, holding its losing streak. Traders turn risk-averse and refrain from placing fresh bets on the pair ahead of BoE policymaker Mann's speech and US CPI data.
Gold price trims a part of modest recovery, focus remains on US CPI
Gold price (XAU/USD) trims a part of modest intraday recovery gains, albeit it manages to hold above the $2,600 mark heading into the European session on Wednesday. Traders now look forward to the crucial US consumer inflation figures for a fresh impetus.
US CPI data preview: Inflation expected to rebound for first time in seven months
The US Consumer Price Index is set to rise 2.6% YoY in October, faster than September’s 2.4% increase. Annual core CPI inflation is expected to remain at 3.3% in October. The inflation data could significantly impact the market’s pricing of the Fed’s interest rate outlook and the US Dollar value.
Five fundamentals: Fallout from the US election, inflation, and a timely speech from Powell stand out Premium
What a week – the US election lived up to their hype, at least when it comes to market volatility. There is no time to rest, with politics, geopolitics, and economic data promising more volatility ahead.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.