LONDON — European markets are set for a mixed open, potentially pausing a significant global rally as traders bet on interest rate cuts from major central banks in 2024.
Gold prices notched a fresh record high on Monday for a second consecutive day, with spot prices touching $2,100, with analysts citing geopolitical uncertainty, a likely weaker U.S. dollar and possible interest rate cuts as further catalysts for bullion heading into next year.
The upward momentum continued despite Fed Chair Jerome Powell's efforts to temper market expectations for incoming rate cuts, as he argued it was "premature to conclude with confidence" that monetary policy was "sufficiently restrictive."
U.S. stock futures were fractionally lower in early premarket trade on Monday as some caution returned.
Shares in Asia-Pacific were also mixed on Monday with investors awaiting a fresh round of economic data on Tuesday, and key inflation readings later in the week.
Persons:
DAX, Jerome Powell's
Organizations:
LONDON, U.S . Federal, Dow Jones
Locations:
Frankfurt, Germany, Asia, Pacific