非农前夕，美债上行，黄金还能撑住吗？

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming non-farm payroll report is particularly significant as it will be the first data released on time after the government shutdown, with mixed signals from previous employment data creating uncertainty in the market [1][6]. Employment Data - The previous non-farm report showed an unexpected increase of 64,000 jobs, but the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%, the highest in four years, indicating a paradox where job growth exists but job searching has become more difficult [1][3]. - Economists predict around 73,000 new jobs for December, with a slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 4.5%, although some institutions remain less optimistic, suggesting the rate may stay at 4.6% [3][5]. - Initial jobless claims were reported at 208,000, slightly below expectations, indicating no significant layoffs, while continuing claims rose to 1.914 million, suggesting increased difficulty in finding new jobs [6][8]. Market Reactions - The rise in 10-year U.S. Treasury yields to 4.18% has created anxiety among investors, as higher yields typically pressure gold prices due to the comparative attractiveness of interest-bearing assets [3][12]. - The current economic environment is characterized by a cooling job market and a lack of clear direction in interest rates, making it challenging for gold to establish a strong upward trend [10][12]. Investor Sentiment - Consumer sentiment reflects rising inflation expectations at 3.4%, while confidence in job opportunities has dropped to the lowest level since the survey began, indicating a growing concern about the economic outlook [8][10]. - Investors are advised to consider their motivations for holding gold, as the current market volatility may not align with short-term speculative strategies but could serve as a hedge in uncertain times [12].