FX.co ★ Silver Slips on Profit-Taking

Silver prices fell below $81 per ounce on Wednesday, interrupting a three-day rally as investors took profits following a near-record high surge in the metal. This retreat in precious metals was broad-based as the dollar strengthened in anticipation of several US economic reports that could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy perspective, with the major focus on the December jobs report due on Friday. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran remarked that the central bank might need to aggressively reduce interest rates to maintain economic growth, supporting market sentiment anticipating at least two rate cuts within the year. However, traders currently estimate an over 80% likelihood that the Fed will leave policy unchanged later this month. On the geopolitical stage, investors remain cautious about the consequences of US intervention in Venezuela and escalating tensions between China and Japan, elements likely to continue bolstering support for safe-haven metals.