Gold Holds Steady Amid U.S. Debt Talks and Inflation Concerns

Gold futures prices are slightly up ahead of important government and economic developments in the U.S., including discussions on raising or suspending the U.S. debt ceiling and the release of the April consumer price index report. Silver prices remain near steady. Bitcoin prices are tumbling due to reported blockchain network congestion. China's imports dropped 7.9% in April, while exports rose 8.5%. The U.S. dollar index is slightly higher, while Nymex crude oil prices are weaker. The gold and silver bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage.