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Happy Friday the 13^th, traders. Welcome back to our weekly recap of the data and headlines with the biggest impact on the gold and Dollar markets, both this week and as we move ahead. Gold prices are higher following a milestone week that included the final FOMC meeting of 2019 and the announcement of an initial trade agreement between the US and China.

US consumers spent less than expected coming into the start of the holiday shopping season, indicating reduced economic growth. Retail sales came in at just 0.2% growth for November compared to 0.5% expected, while October sales were revised slightly higher.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits rose above more than a two-year high last week. The week ended December 7 saw 252,000 new claims, well above expectations. The data may have been skewed due to seasonal volatility following the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

November saw no change in producer price inflation with reduced costs for services offsetting gains in other areas like gasoline and food. While consumer prices rose in November, producer price inflation was unexpectedly soft. Prices saw no growth following a 0.4% gain the month before.

Gold and silver prices are considerably higher this afternoon following the final FOMC meeting of the year, from which the Federal Reserve left rates unchanged following three consecutive rate cuts while also updating their Staff Economic Projections.

US consumer inflation remains quite low, although last month saw gains in the cost of gas, rent, and health care. With tame inflation throughout 2019, consumer inflation is now at a yearly high. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.3%, slightly above expectations of 0.2%.

Good morning, traders. Welcome back to another week in the markets, and to our weekly preview of the events on the macroeconomic calendar that matter most for gold and Dollar prices. Gold is trading modestly higher this morning as equity markets take a bit of a breather and technical traders are boosting the yellow metal back above $1460/oz support levels.

Happy Friday, traders. Welcome to our regular recap of the week’s headlines and macroeconomic data that mattered most to the gold and currency markets.

US consumer sentiment was measured at 99.2 on the latest University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, an increase from 96.8. The result beat expectations, indicating an improvement in consumer’s confidence in their buying ability coming into the holiday season.

The November report from the Labor Department saw 266,000 new jobs added vs. just 180,000 expected. The labor market felt the influx of workers returning from  the recently ended strike at General Motors, boosting figures. Unemployment dropped from 3.6% to 3.5%, beating expectations of a flat reading.

The number of Americans filing applications for unemployment benefits dropped below expectations last week, indicating ongoing strength in the labor market despite major hiring slowdowns. However, it’s possible that the figure has been skewed by the Thanksgiving’s Day holiday last Thursday. Claims are now at the lowest level in 7 months, falling to 203,000 for the week ended November 30 according to the Labor Department. Claims were forecast to reach 215,000.

The US service sector declined further than expected in November as the trade war continues to impact multiple industries. A shortage of skilled laborers is also a factor in the decline. The ISM non-manufacturing index dropped to 53.9 in November from 54.7 the month before, below expectations of 54.5.