(Kitco News) - Gold andsilver prices are moderately lower in early-afternoon U.S. trading Tuesday. Amodest rebound in the U.S. dollar index today, as well as a rally in the U.S.stock market, put some downside pressure on the precious metals markets.Trading was choppy and two-sided as the world marketplace awaits the outcome ofthe U.S. mid-term elections. December gold futures were last down $5.10 anounce at $1,227.20. December Comex silver was last down $0.107 at $14.54 anounce.
Manybelieve today's U.S. vote is a referendum on the performance of PresidentDonald Trump. Big gains by the Democrats would likely be initially bearish forthe U.S. stock market and would signal gridlock in Congress the next two years.
OnWednesday and Thursday the Federal Reserve's Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetsto discuss U.S. monetary policy, with a statement due Thursday afternoon. Nochange in interest rates is expected at this meeting.
Technically,gold bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field.Bulls' next upside price objective is to produce a close in December futuresabove solid resistance at the October high of $1,246.00. Bears' next near-termdownside price breakout objective is pushing prices below solid technicalsupport at $1,200.00. First resistance is seen at last week's high of $1,239.30and then at $1,246.00. First support is seen at $1,225.00 and then at$1,220.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 5.0
Decembersilver futures bears have the overall near-term technical advantage. However,recent price action suggests a market bottom is in place. Silver bulls' nextupside price breakout objective is closing prices above solid technicalresistance at $15.00 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective forthe bears is closing prices below solid support at the September low of$13.965. First resistance is seen at $14.95 and then at $15.00. Next support isseen at last week's low of $14.24 and then at $14.00. Wyckoff's Market Rating:3.0.
By Jim WyckoffFor Kitco News
Follow @jimwyckoff