Gold Prices Plunge as Fed Signals Delay in Rate Cuts

Friday witnessed a severe downturn in gold markets as the precious metal experienced one of its most significant single-day declines in recent months. Hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials triggered a massive sell-off, crushing investor expectations for a December interest rate reduction and sending bullion prices tumbling below the psychologically crucial $4,100 per ounce threshold.

The spot price of gold plummeted to $4,092.72, registering a daily decline of 1.9%. December delivery U.S. gold futures fared even worse, closing down 2.4% at $4,094.20. Despite the substantial Friday losses, the precious metal managed to maintain a weekly gain of 2.3%.

Market expectations for a 25-basis-point cut in December collapsed dramatically, with probability assessments falling to just Read more...