Inflation Data Impacts
The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, showed no increase from April to May. This data reinforced the trend of gradual inflation pullback, lending support to silver prices. David Meger of High Ridge Futures noted, “We are continuing on trend in a very incremental slow pullback of inflation.”
The PCE report revealed a 0.1% gain for May and a 2.6% increase year-over-year, marking the lowest annual rate since March 2021. This development boosted investor confidence in the Fed’s ability to manage inflation without further aggressive rate hikes.
Interest Rate Expectations
Market sentiment shifted decidedly towards rate cut expectations. Traders are now pricing in a 68% chance of a Fed rate cut in September, up from 64% before the inflation data release. This shift has been a key driver for silver’s recent quarterly performance.
San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly viewed the latest inflation figures as “good news that policy is working,” reinforcing market optimism. However, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman suggested openness to further rate increases, highlighting the ongoing debate within the central bank.
Treasury Yields and Dollar Movement
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield closed up 2.02% last week, ending a three-week decline. Concurrently, the U.S. Dollar Index finished 0.02% higher, marking its fourth consecutive weekly gain. These factors exerted pressure on silver prices, partially offsetting the positive impact of rate cut expectations.
Economic Indicators
Additional economic reports provided mixed signals. The Chicago PMI jumped to 47.4 from 35 in May, exceeding expectations. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment also showed a better-than-anticipated reading of 68.2 for June. These indicators will be crucial in shaping silver’s near-term direction.