Gold Retreats as US Dollar Strengthens and Crude Oil Declines

Gold and silver prices are lower due to gains in the US dollar index and losses in crude oil, as well as improved risk appetite in the market. The US stock indexes are higher, while the yield on the US Treasury 10-year note is at 4.428%. The minutes from the last Federal Reserve meeting noted the risk of higher-than-expected inflation and weaker-than-expected US economic growth, suggesting that the Fed will continue to pause on rate hikes. Technically, gold and silver futures have near-term advantages for the bulls.