Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of tracking key economic data releases, providing a calendar of significant financial events and indicators that investors should monitor to make informed decisions [1]. Economic Data Summary - The article lists important economic data releases for March, including: - U.S. non-farm employment and unemployment rate [6] - U.S. manufacturing PMI [6] - China's foreign exchange reserves [6] - China's CPI/PPI [6] - China's M2 and social financing [6] - China's industrial investment and retail sales [6]

Group 1 - Nike is among a few companies set to report earnings next week, alongside Cal-Maine Foods, Conagra, and McCormick [1] - The earnings docket for the upcoming week is expected to be quiet, with only a handful of companies announcing results [1] Group 2 - Key economic data will be released at the end of March, including retail sales, manufacturing data, and the latest employment report [1] - The week will start with no economic data on Monday, March 30, followed by various economic indicators on Tuesday, March 31 [2] - Retail sales data, business inventories, and manufacturing PMI will be released on Wednesday, April 1, with additional remarks from St. Louis Fed President [3] - Weekly jobs data and a U.S. trade deficit update are scheduled for Thursday, April 2, while markets will be closed on Friday, April 3, for Good Friday [3]

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - The economic data at the beginning of 2026 improved, but the overall situation remained weak. The year-on-year growth rate of social retail sales from January to February was +2.8%, up 1.9 percentage points from December 2025 but down 0.89 percentage points from the whole year of 2025. The cumulative year-on-year growth rate of fixed asset investment was +1.8%, up 5.6 percentage points from the whole year of 2025. The year-on-year decline of real estate development investment narrowed but remained in a large negative growth range, and real estate sales accelerated their decline, which might suppress post-cycle consumption such as furniture and home appliances. The year-on-year growth rate of industrial added value above designated size was +6.3%, 1.1 percentage points faster than that in December 2025. Under the interweaving of internal and external factors, market expectations were frequently disturbed, and residents' consumption willingness and enterprises' investment confidence still needed to be restored. The supply pressure of the bond market was better than expected, and there might be certain pressure on economic growth. The risk of long-term bonds was low, and the yield was expected to decline. It was recommended to pay attention to the investment opportunities of long-duration bonds [2]. 3. Summary According to Relevant Catalogs Social Retail Sales - The growth rate of social retail sales rebounded but remained under pressure. From January to February, the year-on-year growth rate of social retail sales was +2.8%, 1.9 percentage points faster than that in December 2025, which might be affected by the Spring Festival holiday. The cumulative growth rate from January to February decreased by 0.89 percentage points compared with the whole year of 2025. The retail sales of grain, oil, food, and clothing, shoes, hats, and textiles above the quota increased by 10.2% and 10.4% respectively. The retail sales of communication equipment and household appliances and audio-visual equipment above the quota increased by 17.8% and 3.3% respectively. In the future, due to the high year-on-year growth rate of social retail sales in the first half of 2025 and the decline in the support of consumption policies in 2026, the year-on-year growth rate of social retail sales in the first half of 2026 might be under pressure [2]. Fixed Asset Investment - Fixed asset investment turned from decline to growth, with infrastructure leading the recovery and real estate still under pressure. The pressure of fixed asset investment was alleviated stage by stage. The cumulative year-on-year growth rate ended four consecutive months of negative growth and turned from decline to growth from January to February. The year-on-year decline of real estate development investment narrowed but remained in a deep negative growth range. From January to February, the year-on-year growth rate of fixed asset investment was +1.8%, up 5.6 percentage points from the whole year of 2025, mainly driven by strong infrastructure investment (contributing about 3 percentage points) and accelerated growth of manufacturing investment (pulling 0.8 percentage points), while the drag effect of real estate investment weakened [2]. Real Estate - Real estate sales accelerated their decline, and the decline of private investment narrowed but remained under pressure. From January to February, the sales area of new commercial housing was 92.93 million square meters, a year-on-year decrease of 13.5%, and the sales volume was 818.6 billion yuan, a year-on-year decrease of 20.2%. The sales area and volume of residential housing decreased by 15.9% and 21.8% respectively, which might suppress post-cycle consumption such as furniture and home appliances. The "sales - investment" negative feedback mechanism of real estate might still continue. At the end of February, the unsold area of commercial housing was 799.98 million square meters, a year-on-year increase of 0.1%, indicating potential inventory pressure. From January to February, private fixed asset investment decreased by 2.6% year-on-year, 3.8 percentage points narrower than that in the whole year of 2025, ending the trend of expanding negative growth for six consecutive months but still not turning positive [2]. Industrial Added Value - The growth rate of industrial added value above designated size accelerated, and the leading role of new kinetic energy increased. From January to February, the year-on-year growth rate of industrial added value above designated size was +6.3%, reaching a recent high, 1.1 percentage points faster than that in December 2025. The industrial production accelerated significantly and continued to recover. Among the three major categories, the mining industry, manufacturing industry, and production and supply of electricity, heat, gas, and water increased by 6.1%, 6.6%, and 4.7% respectively year-on-year, 0.7, 0.9, and 3.9 percentage points higher than that in December 2025. The added value of high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing above designated size increased by 13.1% and 9.3% respectively year-on-year, faster than the overall industrial added value above designated size. With the gradual improvement of demand and the continuous release of policy effects, the industrial economy was expected to maintain a stable growth trend [2][3]. Economic Growth - Economic growth might still face certain pressure. In January - February 2026, China's foreign trade achieved a "good start", but domestic demand remained under pressure. The support of consumption policies declined, the growth rate of social retail sales rebounded but was overall weak, real estate sales accelerated their decline, and private investment remained in the negative growth range, which might restrict economic recovery. The geopolitical conflict in the Middle East pushed up international oil prices, the market lowered the expectation of the Fed's interest rate cut, and overseas trade frictions disturbed, so the resilience of future foreign trade growth needed to be observed. In terms of prices, in February 2026, the year-on-year increase of CPI rose significantly to 1.3% (a three - year high), and the year-on-year decline of PPI narrowed to -0.9%, with five consecutive months of positive month-on-month growth. The war between the US and Iran might further narrow the decline [3]. Bond Investment - The adjustment of long-term bonds might be an opportunity, and it was recommended to seize the band operation opportunities. Recently, the RMB appreciated significantly, which was beneficial to the Chinese bond market. Currently, the long-term bond positions of trading desks were still small, and the year-on-year recovery of PPI was a general market expectation, so the risk of long-term bonds might be low. The deposit interest rate was low, and insurance premiums were expected to grow rapidly. In March, the allocation of ultra-long bonds by insurance funds might increase, and the yield of the active 30Y Treasury bond was expected to fall below 2.20%. It was expected that the low point of the 10Y Treasury bond yield in the first quarter might reach 1.75%, and the low point in the second quarter was expected to reach 1.70%. It was expected that the 10-year Treasury bond yield in 2026 would fluctuate in the range of 1.6% - 1.9%. Currently, it was recommended to pay attention to the opportunities of old 30Y Treasury bonds, 10Y China Development Bank bonds, and long-duration sinking capital bonds [3].

1. Report's Industry Investment Ratings - Not provided in the given content. 2. Core Views of the Report - Gold: Geopolitical conflicts have broken out [2]. - Silver: In a volatile pattern [2]. - Copper: Inventory increase restricts price recovery [2]. - Zinc: Oscillating with an upward bias [2]. - Lead: Inventory is stable, and prices are oscillating [2]. - Tin: Attention should be paid to the stabilization of risk appetite [2]. - Aluminum: Aluminum plants in the Middle East are reducing production, and supply concerns are intensifying [2]. - Alumina: Sell on rebounds [2]. - Cast aluminum alloy: Follow the trend of electrolytic aluminum [2]. - Platinum: Market sentiment is rather pessimistic [2]. - Palladium: Overall weak [2]. - Nickel: The reality of the Indonesian mining end is catching up. Be wary of its speculative nature in March [2]. - Stainless steel: The contradiction at the mining end is increasing marginally, and the cost - support center is shifting upward [2]. 3. Summaries by Relevant Catalogs Gold and Silver - **Fundamentals**: For gold, the closing prices of some contracts decreased, and trading volumes and positions changed. ETF holdings and inventories also decreased. For silver, prices of some contracts increased, trading volumes decreased, positions decreased slightly, and inventories declined. There were also changes in price differences and exchange rates [4]. - **News**: The US Senate failed to pass a vote to stop Trump's strike on Iran. The US Secretary of Defense said the US - Iran conflict might last eight weeks or longer. The US Treasury Secretary mentioned that a 15% global tariff might be implemented this week. The US ADP employment in February increased by 63,000, and the US ISM services index in February reached a new high since mid - 2022. China's official manufacturing and non - manufacturing PMIs in February and the RatingDog manufacturing PMI data were also reported [4][6]. - **Trend Strength**: Gold trend strength is 1; silver trend strength is 1 [6]. Copper - **Fundamentals**: The closing price of the Shanghai copper main contract decreased slightly, while the LME copper 3M electronic disk increased. Trading volumes and positions of both decreased. Copper inventories increased, and there were also changes in price differences and spot prices [7]. - **News**: US economic data was strong, and price pressure eased. China's manufacturing PMI data was reported. Japan's copper and copper alloy imports in January increased year - on - year but decreased month - on - month. Chile's copper production in January decreased year - on - year. Revere copper products company is increasing US investment [7][9]. - **Trend Strength**: Copper trend strength is 0 [9]. Zinc - **Fundamentals**: The closing price of the Shanghai zinc main contract increased slightly, while the LME zinc 3M electronic disk decreased. There were changes in trading volumes, positions, price differences, and inventories [10]. - **News**: The US - Iran conflict continued to escalate, and Putin considered cutting off gas supply to Europe [11][13]. - **Trend Strength**: Zinc trend strength is 1 [13]. Lead - **Fundamentals**: The closing price of the Shanghai lead main contract remained unchanged, while the LME lead 3M electronic disk decreased. There were changes in trading volumes, positions, price differences, and inventories [14]. - **News**: US economic data was strong, and China's manufacturing PMI data was reported [15]. - **Trend Strength**: Lead trend strength is 0 [15]. Tin - **Fundamentals**: The Shanghai tin main contract price decreased first and then increased. The LME tin 3M electronic disk increased. There were changes in trading volumes, positions, inventories, and spot prices [18]. - **News**: The US - Iran conflict might last 8 weeks or longer. Qatar will stop liquefied natural gas production on Wednesday. US non - manufacturing activity in February expanded at the fastest rate since 2022. The EU is expected to be exempt from the US 15% tariff increase [18][20]. - **Trend Strength**: Tin trend strength is 1 [19]. Aluminum, Alumina, and Cast Aluminum Alloy - **Fundamentals**: The prices of the aluminum main contract, alumina main contract, and aluminum alloy main contract showed different trends. There were also changes in trading volumes, positions, price differences, inventories, and spot prices [21]. - **News**: An oil tanker in the Mediterranean was bombed, and the US ADP employment in February increased. The US - Iran conflict and energy - related news also affected the market [23]. - **Trend Strength**: Aluminum trend strength is 1; alumina trend strength is - 1; aluminum alloy trend strength is 1 [23]. Platinum and Palladium - **Fundamentals**: The prices of platinum and palladium contracts showed different trends. There were changes in trading volumes, positions, ETF holdings, and price differences [24]. - **News**: News about the Iran situation, US employment, tariffs, the Fed, and the energy situation was reported [27]. - **Trend Strength**: Platinum trend strength is 0; palladium trend strength is 0 [26]. Nickel and Stainless Steel - **Fundamentals**: The prices of the nickel main contract and stainless steel main contract changed. There were also changes in trading volumes, positions, and industrial chain - related prices [29]. - **News**: Indonesia plans to revise the nickel ore benchmark price formula, and some nickel mines in different regions have production - related news such as restarts, production cuts, and sanctions [29][30][34]. - **Trend Strength**: Nickel trend strength is 0; stainless steel trend strength is 0 [36].

Report Industry Investment Ratings Not provided in the content Core Views - The report provides investment outlooks and trend intensities for various commodities, taking into account factors such as geopolitical conflicts, supply - demand dynamics, and cost changes. For example, geopolitical conflicts have a significant impact on commodities like gold, oil - related products, and some chemical products, while supply - demand fundamentals drive the trends of agricultural products and metals [7][10][148]. Summary by Commodity Precious Metals - **Gold**: Geopolitical conflict has broken out. The price of Comex gold 2602 rose 1.02% to 5151.60, and London gold spot rose 0.63% to 5120.54. The trend intensity is 1 [3][7]. - **Silver**: In a shock pattern. The price of Comex silver 2602 rose 1.78% to 83.765, and London silver spot rose 1.86% to 83.540. The trend intensity is 1 [3][7]. - **Platinum**: The sentiment is relatively pessimistic. The trend intensity is 0 [3][27]. - **Palladium**: Overall weak. The trend intensity is 0 [3][27]. Base Metals - **Copper**: Inventory increase restricts price recovery. The price of the Shanghai copper main contract fell 0.43% to 101,660. The trend intensity is 0 [3][10]. - **Zinc**: Oscillating strongly. The Shanghai zinc main contract closed at 24480, up 0.45%. The trend intensity is 1 [3][13]. - **Lead**: Inventory is stable, and the price oscillates. The Shanghai lead main contract closed at 16840, with no change. The trend intensity is 0 [3][17]. - **Tin**: Pay attention to the stabilization of risk appetite. The Shanghai tin main contract fell 5.17% to 401,130. The trend intensity is 1 [3][20]. - **Aluminum**: Middle - East aluminum plants are reducing production, and supply concerns are intensifying. The Shanghai aluminum main contract closed at 24795, up 890. The trend intensity is 1 [3][24]. - **Alumina**: Sell on rebounds. The trend intensity is - 1 [3][24]. - **Cast Aluminum Alloy**: Follows electrolytic aluminum. The trend intensity is 1 [3][24]. - **Nickel**: The reality of the Indonesian ore end is catching up. Be vigilant about speculative attributes in March. The trend intensity is 0 [3][31]. - **Stainless Steel**: The contradiction at the ore end is increasing marginally, and the cost support center is moving up. The trend intensity is 0 [3][32]. Energy and Chemicals - **Crude Oil - related (implied)**: Geopolitical conflicts have a significant impact on the energy market, affecting the prices of related products such as fuel oil and LPG [14][120]. - **Fuel Oil**: The night session had a slight pullback, and price fluctuations continued to widen. The trend intensity is 1 [3][131]. - **Low - Sulfur Fuel Oil**: Weakened in the short - term, and the spot high - low sulfur spread in the outer market fell again. The trend intensity is 1 [3][131]. - **LPG**: Short - term geopolitical disturbances are strong. The trend intensity is 1 [3][120]. - **Propylene**: Geopolitical disturbances at the cost end, and the fundamentals remain tight. The trend intensity is 1 [3][120]. - **Methanol**: High - level shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][103]. - **Urea**: Entered a shock pattern in the short - term. The trend intensity is 0 [3][110]. - **PTA**: High - level shock. The trend intensity is 1 [3][71]. - **MEG**: High - level shock. The trend intensity is 1 [3][71]. - **PX**: High - level shock market, go long PX and short PTA. The trend intensity is 1 [3][71]. - **Rubber**: Oscillating strongly. The trend intensity is 1 [3][79]. - **Synthetic Rubber**: The center moves up. The trend intensity is 1 [3][82]. - **LLDPE**: The expectation of cracking supply contraction is increasing. Pay attention to geopolitical factors in the short - term. The trend intensity is 1 [3][86]. - **PP**: C3 raw materials remain strong, and the reduction of PDH devices continues. The trend intensity is 2 [3][86]. - **Caustic Soda**: Oscillating strongly. The trend intensity is 1 [3][90]. - **Paper Pulp**: Oscillating. The trend intensity is 0 [3][95]. - **Glass**: The price of the original sheet is stable. The trend intensity is 0 [3][100]. - **PVC**: Range shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][128]. Agricultural Products - **Palm Oil**: The fundamental contradiction is limited. Pay attention to the impact of oil prices. The trend intensity is 0 [3][161]. - **Soybean Oil**: Supported by the cost of US soybeans. Pay attention to the previous high pressure. The trend intensity is 0 [3][161]. - **Soybean Meal**: Oscillating. Pay attention to market sentiment fluctuations. The trend intensity is 0 [3][167]. - **Soybean**: Oscillating. Pay attention to the policy sentiment of the Two Sessions. The trend intensity is 0 [3][167]. - **Corn**: Oscillating. The trend intensity is 0 [3][170]. - **Sugar**: Range consolidation. The trend intensity is 0 [3][174]. - **Cotton**: Waiting for new drivers. The trend intensity is 1 [3][178]. - **Eggs**: Maintaining a shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][182]. - **Hogs**: The inventory pressure is difficult to solve, and the weakness continues. The trend intensity is - 2 [3][185]. - **Peanuts**: Oscillating. The trend intensity is 0 [3][190]. Others - **Iron Ore**: Waiting for steel mills to resume production, and the ore price rebounds from a low level. The trend intensity is 1 [3][48]. - **Rebar**: Oscillating repeatedly. The trend intensity is 0 [3][52]. - **Hot - Rolled Coil**: Oscillating repeatedly. The trend intensity is 0 [3][52]. - **Silicon Iron**: Wide - range shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][56]. - **Manganese Silicon**: Wide - range shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][56]. - **Coke**: The first round of price cuts has started, and wide - range shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][59]. - **Coking Coal**: Wide - range shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][59]. - **Steam Coal**: There is insufficient support for price increases, and short - term prices fluctuate in a narrow range. The trend intensity is 0 [3][64]. - **Log**: The game between expectation and reality, with a slight shock. The trend intensity is 0 [3][67]. - **Container Freight Index (European Line)**: Volatility has declined, mainly oscillating. The trend intensity is 0 [3][133]. - **Short - Fiber**: Geopolitical factors raise costs, and it is strong in the short - term. The trend intensity is 1 [3][148]. - **Bottle Chip**: Geopolitical factors raise costs, and it is strong in the short - term. The trend intensity is 1 [3][148]. - **Offset Printing Paper**: Wait - and - see. The trend intensity is 0 [3][151]. - **Pure Benzene**: Oscillating strongly. The trend intensity is 1 [3][156].

Market Overview - Global assets experienced significant volatility due to rising risk aversion, with gold and silver prices increasing by 3.35% and 11.76% respectively last week[3] - The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell by 11 basis points to 3.97%, while European bond yields also declined significantly[3] - U.S. stock markets saw a collective drop in major indices, contrasting with gains in Japanese and European markets[3] U.S. Economic Indicators - The U.S. January PPI rose by 2.9% year-on-year, exceeding expectations of 2.6%, driven primarily by rising service prices[13] - Fed Governor Milan reiterated the need for a 100 basis point rate cut in 2026, complicating the monetary policy outlook due to inflationary pressures[7] Japanese Economic Outlook - The Bank of Japan's Governor indicated a careful review of data in March and April to decide on potential interest rate hikes, with February's core CPI at 1.8%[8] - The Nikkei 225 index surged by 3.56%, leading global stock market performance[3] Bond Market Trends - The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased by 11 basis points to 3.97%, with foreign holdings of U.S. debt dropping by $88.4 billion to $9.27 trillion[33] - The 10-year UK bond yield fell by 23 basis points to 4.24%, while German and French yields also saw declines of 5 basis points and 8.4 basis points respectively[40] Commodity Prices - Spot gold prices reached $5,222, marking a 3.35% increase, while silver prices rose to $90, up 11.76%[5] - WTI crude oil prices increased by 1.22% to $67, reflecting a year-to-date rise of 17.39%[5]

Economic Data and Employment Reports - Upcoming economic data includes manufacturing and services readings, as well as employment data, which the Federal Reserve will monitor closely for insights into economic health [1] - The S&P final U.S. manufacturing purchasing manager's index (PMI) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing reading are scheduled for release [3] - The ADP employment report, S&P final U.S. services PMI, ISM services index, and the Fed's Beige Book will be released mid-week [3] Earnings Reports - Earnings season continues with reports expected from various companies including Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, AutoZone, Bath & Body Works, Best Buy, and others [2] - A detailed schedule of key market events for the week ahead has been provided, indicating that all economic dates are tentative and subject to change [2] Jobless Claims and Productivity Data - Weekly jobless claims data will be released, along with U.S. productivity data and the import price index [4] - The U.S. employment report, including updates on the unemployment rate and hourly wages, is set for release at the end of the week [4]

Report Overview - The report focuses on the platinum and palladium markets, providing fundamental data, macro and industry news, and trend strength indicators [1][2][4] 1. Investment Rating - No investment rating for the industry is provided in the report 2. Core Viewpoints - Platinum is boosted by the strength of silver, while palladium is affected by tariff disturbances and shows a volatile and slightly upward trend [1][2] 3. Summary by Directory 3.1 Fundamental Data - **Platinum Prices**: The closing price of platinum futures 2606 was 523.80, down 3.87%; the price of the Shanghai Gold Exchange platinum was 525.05, down 2.96%; the New York platinum continuous contract (previous day) was 2171.40, up 4.10%; the London spot platinum (previous day) was 2151.50, up 3.44% [2] - **Palladium Prices**: The closing price of palladium futures 2606 was 416.80, down 3.08%; the price of the RMB spot palladium was 395.00, down 1.50%; the New York palladium continuous contract (previous day) was 1736.10, up 2.36%; the London spot palladium (previous day) was 1765.00, up 5.15% [2] - **Trading Volume and Open Interest**: The trading volume and open interest of platinum and palladium in different markets showed various changes compared to the previous day [2] - **ETF Holdings**: The platinum ETF holdings (ounces) (previous day) were 3267315, down 10735; the palladium ETF holdings (ounces) (previous day) were 1177427, down 1312 [2] - **Inventory**: The inventory of platinum and palladium in different markets remained mostly unchanged compared to the previous day [2] - **Price Spreads**: The price spreads between different platinum and palladium contracts and markets showed different changes compared to the previous day [2] - **Exchange Rates**: The US dollar index was 97.74, down 0.09%; the US dollar to RMB (CNY spot) was 6.91, up 0.01%; the US dollar to offshore RMB (CNH spot) was 6.90, unchanged; the US dollar to RMB (6M forward) was 6.82, unchanged [2] 3.2 Macro and Industry News - Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2 - The EU Parliament's main party groups decided to suspend the legislation of the US - EU trade agreement due to the lack of clarity in Trump's new tariff policy - US economic data: The annual rate of the US core PCE price index in December was 3%, the highest since February 2025; the US GDP in 2025 increased by 2.2% year - on - year, the lowest level since 2021 - US - Iran relations: US and Iranian negotiators are expected to meet in Geneva on Thursday; Trump tends to launch a preliminary strike against Iran in the next few days and may launch a larger - scale attack in the next few months; some people around Trump suggest not to bomb Iran, while Senator Graham opposes this; the content of the Iran - US negotiations involves nuclear commitments, the US commitment to lift sanctions, and economic cooperation - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is fully promoting Hong Kong to become an international gold trading center, with the goal of having a gold storage of over 2000 tons in 3 years - The shortage of glass fiber has intensified, and Taiwanese manufacturers will launch a second round of price hikes - The US trade deficit in December widened, and the annual deficit reached 9015 billion US dollars, still one of the largest deficits since records began in 1960 - Trump will extend the sanctions against Russia for one year - Kōmura Sanae was confirmed as the new Prime Minister of Japan [5] 3.3 Trend Strength - The trend strength of platinum is 0, and the trend strength of palladium is 0, indicating a neutral outlook for both [4]

Fundamental Analysis - Gold prices are currently trading around $4,996, constrained within a short-term range, following a slight increase of 0.4% to close at $4,995.83 after reaching a historical high of $5,022.15 [1] - The geopolitical tension arises from President Trump's ultimatum to Iran regarding its nuclear program, with a potential military action looming within 10 to 15 days if no agreement is reached [4] - The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Middle East, causing oil prices to rise due to fears of renewed conflict, which historically correlates with increased gold prices as a safe-haven asset [5] - Recent U.S. economic data shows initial jobless claims fell to 206,000, below the expected 225,000, indicating economic resilience, while the Federal Reserve acknowledges a stable labor market [6] - However, there are concerns as continuing claims rose by 17,000 to 1.869 million, suggesting difficulties for job seekers, which may indicate structural issues in the labor market [7] - The upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index is critical for determining short-term gold price movements, as it is a favored inflation indicator by the Federal Reserve [7] Technical Analysis - On the daily chart, gold prices showed a subdued performance, attempting to challenge resistance above $5,020 but ultimately closing near the $5,000 mark, indicating a lack of direction [9] - The short-term price action has narrowed following a rebound from a low of $4,840, suggesting market hesitation, with traders advised to monitor the $4,900 to $5,030 range for potential breakout opportunities [9] - The operational strategy suggests trading within the $4,900 to $5,030 range, with a stop loss of $20 and a target of $50 to $80, while keeping an eye on the PCE data release [9]

Group 1 - The stock market has extended gains for a third consecutive day, indicating positive investor sentiment [1] - Investors were encouraged by another round of strong economic data released before the market opened [1]