We need to see more softening in the labor market according to Chairman Powell. Central banks worldwide vowed to continue to raise interest rates to combat high and persistent core inflation levels. This as some top economic countries see GDP greatly contracting. GDP levels have fallen to 1.2% in the U.S. and Japan and 0.6% in England and the Eurozone.

The Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell has had multiple occasions to inform lawmakers and the public about upcoming actions by the Federal Reserve to reduce the high level of inflation.

This video is an interview recorded with Ivan Bayoukhi of WallStreet Silver on Thursday June 22, 2023.

Gold prices this week had such a strong decline that they traded to a low not witnessed since the first week of March, declining by approximately $39 per ounce. Gold futures basis most active August contract opened at approximately $1969 on Tuesday and as of 5:25 PM EDT is fixed at $1930.30. This week’s price decline resulted in gold losing 1.96%.

The Federal Reserve’s drumbeat signaling more rate hikes is loud enough to be heard on the other side of the world. In his second day of testimony to the House and Senate Chairman Powell is reiterating his message that a “strong majority” of Federal Reserve officials are strongly committed to raising rates twice for a total of 50 basis points by the end of the year.

Chairman Powell testified before the House Financial Services Committee today. This is part of his semiannual report which will conclude tomorrow when he appears before the Senate Banking Committee. His opening statement was close to a word-for-word repeat of his opening statement at last week’s press conference.

Chairman’s Powell upcoming testimony coupled with a report revealing strong economic growth has created continuous bearish market sentiment for gold. The decline in gold futures today was so severe that the precious yellow metal gave up $23.50 with the most active August futures contract settling at $1947.70 by the close of trading in New York.

Both gold and silver investors have focused on the recent decision by the Federal Reserve that was revealed at this month’s FOMC meeting on Wednesday. The Federal Reserve decided not to raise its benchmark Fed funds rate this month after raising rates for the last 10 consecutive FOMC meetings beginning in March 2022.

Gold futures basis the most active August Comex contract traded below its 100-day simple moving average which is currently at $1950.70 after trading to an intraday low of $1936.10. However, as of 4:34 PM EDT, gold futures are trading just off the high of $1972.80 and are fixed at $1970.40.

As anticipated the Federal Reserve announced that the “committee decided to maintain the target range for the federal funds rate at 5 to 5 ¼%”. However, the core message as expressed in today’s statement and press conference by Chairman Powell was that its monetary policy will remain restrictive, hawkish, and most likely include two more rate hikes before the end of the year.