Precious Metals Futures - Spot gold has surpassed $4620 per ounce, with a daily increase of 0.09%; New York futures gold has fallen below $4610 per ounce, with a daily decrease of 0.28% [1][5] - New York futures silver has fallen below $91 per ounce, with a daily decrease of 0.42%; spot silver has also fallen below $91 per ounce, with a daily decrease of 0.41% [2][6] Energy and Shipping Futures - U.S. natural gas futures have dropped over 3.00%, currently at $3.026 per million British thermal units [3][7] - Venezuela's acting president Rodriguez stated that the country's oil production in December will reach 1.2 million barrels per day; U.S. Energy Secretary Wright believes that Venezuela's oil production will lower oil prices, and the current price of U.S. sales of Venezuelan oil is 30% higher than three weeks ago [3][7] Macroeconomic and Market Impact - Federal Reserve official Paulson indicated a preference to maintain interest rates at the next meeting, with a possibility of a mild rate cut later this year; Schmidt believes that a rate cut may exacerbate inflation and provide little help for employment [4][8] - In November, the U.S. saw a net capital inflow of $212 billion, compared to a net outflow of $225 billion in October (previously a net outflow of $373 billion); China held $683 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds in November, a decrease of $6 billion from October [4][8] - The U.S. Senate passed a comprehensive appropriations bill to provide funding support for the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and other departments, which is now submitted for Trump's signature, with a voting result of 82 in favor and 15 against [4][8]