Weak US Data Pressures Dollar, Bolsters Fed Dovishness
The US Dollar weakened against a basket of currencies following the release of disappointing US Retail Sales data, which increased speculation that the Federal Reserve may be less inclined to raise interest rates. This sentiment contributed to strength in currencies like the Australian Dollar and the Chinese Yuan. The soft economic figures pointed to tentative signs of a cooling US economy.
Rising Treasury Yields Counteract Economic Data
Despite the weak retail sales report, US Treasury yields reversed an initial dip and ended the session higher, providing a conflicting signal for markets. An early rally in government bonds faded, with the subsequent rise in yields creating a headwind for non-yielding assets. The move in yields was partly attributed to strength in oil prices.
Silver Gains Capped by Yield Environment
Silver prices advanced during the session, finding support from the softer-than-expected US economic data which weighed on the dollar. However, the metal’s recovery was ultimately stalled as the concurrent rise in US Treasury yields limited further upward momentum for the asset.
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