Weekly Commodity Podcast by Ravindra Rao | 18th Dec 2023

 The markets experienced a surge in positive momentum after the Federal Reserve delivered its strongest indications yet of a forthcoming pivot to easing monetary policy in the coming year. For the first time since March 2021, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) officials projected no further interest-rate hikes. Notably, the fed funds rate was forecasted to be at 4.6% by the end of the next year, signalling a potential 75 basis points rate cut—well below previous projections of 5.1%. the US Dollar slid to 101.77, and US 10-year treasury yields dipped below 4% for the first time since August. Amidst these market dynamics, COMEX Gold surged to $2062.9/oz and Siler traded as high as $24.59/oz, benefiting from rising bets on a reduction in borrowing costs in March that weighed on treasury yields Crude oil also experienced positive trends, gaining support from an improved global demand outlook after IEA and OPEC report and significant US inventory drawdown. Base metals received a boost from the relaxation of home purchase restrictions in Beijing Looking ahead, market focus will turn to flash PMI, US GDP and Core PCE data prints. Additionally, the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decision will be eagerly awaited. Markets will keep a close eye on China for additional support measures