Economic Performance - The U.S. economy added 130,000 non-farm payrolls in January, significantly higher than the revised figure of 48,000 in December and above forecasts of 55,000, marking the highest NFP figure since December 2024 [1] - Total U.S. non-farm employment growth for 2025 was revised down to +181,000 from +584,000, indicating average monthly job gains of just 15,000, well below the previously reported 49,000 [2] - The overall unemployment rate decreased to 4.3% in January from 4.4% in December [2] Market Reactions - Following the strong U.S. jobs report, gold and silver futures maintained their overnight gains, while U.S. Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar index increased, and U.S. stock indexes rallied [3] - The likelihood of a March U.S. interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve has dropped to less than 15%, with expectations shifting towards maintaining the current Fed funds range of 3.5%–3.75% [7] - Traders are now anticipating only two potential U.S. rate cuts later in the year instead of immediate action [7] Precious Metals Dynamics - The price action in gold and silver markets suggests that underlying supply and demand fundamentals, such as safe-haven demand, hoarding, and central bank buying of gold, are prevailing over expectations of fewer U.S. interest rate cuts amid a stronger economy [10]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are focusing on U.S. jobs data, as any signs of weakness could lead to expectations of interest-rate cuts in the near future [1] Group 1 - The U.S. jobs data is a critical indicator for investors [1] - Weakness in jobs data may trigger a series of interest-rate cuts [1]

Core Insights - The article discusses the background and expertise of Ernest Hoffman, a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News, highlighting his extensive experience in market news and journalism [3] Group 1 - Ernest Hoffman has over 15 years of experience in writing, editing, broadcasting, and producing for various media and cultural organizations [3] - He began his career in market news in 2007, establishing the broadcast division of CEP News in Montreal, Canada [3] - Hoffman developed the fastest web-based audio news service in the world and produced economic news videos in partnership with MSN and the TMX [3] Group 2 - He holds a Bachelor's degree with a specialization in Journalism from Concordia University [3] - Contact information for Ernest Hoffman is provided, indicating a direct line for inquiries [3]