Gold, silver extend losses as equity rally stalls

Core Viewpoint - The recent decline in gold and silver prices is attributed to profit-taking after significant gains this year, raising concerns that the rallies may have entered bubble territory [1][10]. Precious Metals Market - Gold fell 2.9% to $4,004.26 per ounce, marking its largest intraday decline in over a dozen years, while silver dropped more than 2% to around $47.6 after a previous 7.1% fall [1][10]. - Analysts suggest that the selloff was triggered by substantial positioning in gold and silver futures, which had built up prior to the declines [6][10]. - Despite the pullback, long-term drivers such as central bank buying and expectations of monetary easing are expected to support prices [6][10]. Stock Market Dynamics - Global macro hedge funds and long-only strategies maintain the highest stock exposure in over a year, despite recent de-risking amid trade and credit concerns [5][10]. - The US government shutdown has created an economic data vacuum, yet investors view equity drawdowns as opportunities to add risk to their portfolios [5][10]. - The S&P 500 closed little changed, with US share futures edging lower, indicating a mixed sentiment in the stock market [2][10]. Broader Economic Context - A confluence of factors, including positive trade talks between China and the US, a stronger dollar, and the end of a seasonal buying spree in India, contributed to the decline in precious metals [8][10]. - The 30-year Treasury yield reached its lowest since early April, reflecting the impact of the ongoing US government shutdown [6][10]. - Oil prices rose following comments from President Trump regarding India's oil purchases from Russia and a decline in US inventories [7][10].