Gold prices fluctuate as markets react to FOMC and banking crisis.

Gold prices are down and silver prices are steady as trader and investor risk appetite has increased ahead of the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting. There is still debate on whether the Fed will raise its main interest rate by 25 basis points or stand pat amid the US and European banking crisis. The US dollar index is lower, and Nymex crude oil futures prices are firmer. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury note yield is presently fetching 3.541%. The gold futures bulls have the solid overall near-term technical advantage, while the silver bulls have the firm overall near-term technical advantage.