Day by day Information Nuggets | At the moment’s high tales for gold and silver traders December 18th, 2025
Inflation Cools Extra Than Anticipated in November
Client costs rose 2.7% year-over-year in November, coming in beneath the three.1% economists had forecast and up solely barely from October’s 2.6%. Core inflation (excluding meals and vitality) additionally shocked to the draw back at 2.6% versus expectations of three.0%. The softer-than-expected studying got here after a authorities shutdown disrupted October knowledge assortment, leaving markets with no clear month-to-month comparability.
Housing prices stay the sticky part, accounting for practically 40% of November’s enhance, although the tempo of shelter inflation is displaying indicators of cooling. Markets reacted positively, with futures rallying on expectations that the Fed will proceed with one other quarter-point reduce at subsequent week’s assembly.
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Economists Increase Pink Flags Over November’s Inflation Knowledge
Whereas November’s 2.7% inflation studying appears to be like encouraging, economists are urging warning—some saying it’s “laborious to take this knowledge critically.” The federal government shutdown disrupted knowledge assortment all through October and into mid-November, forcing the Bureau of Labor Statistics to depend on statistical assumptions which will have distorted the numbers.
Housing prices—which make up a 3rd of the index—confirmed suspiciously low inflation, with Harvard economist Jason Furman noting the BLS probably made “a giant judgment error” by successfully assuming zero inflation in October. Different oddities: seasonally adjusted fuel costs rose although precise costs fell, and daycare prices instantly dropped.
“Take it with all the salt shaker,” Wells Fargo economists warned. The consensus: anticipate December’s knowledge (due January 13) earlier than drawing conclusions. The one dependable shiny spot? Gasoline costs have fallen beneath $3 nationally for the primary time in over 4 years.
Trump Pronounces $1,776 Navy Bonus — However The place’s the Cash?
President Trump introduced a one-time “Warrior Dividend” of $1,776 for roughly 1.45 million U.S. navy service members, totaling round $2.5 billion. The symbolic quantity honors the nation’s founding yr, and Trump framed the cost as a reward funded by tariff revenues, which have introduced in over $200 billion this yr.
Nevertheless, the transfer raises questions. It’s unclear how the administration will acceptable the funds with out prior Congressional approval — a possible constitutional concern that would complicate the rollout. Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth structured the cost as a “one-time housing allowance complement” for service members in pay grades O-6 and beneath.
Whereas the announcement performs nicely politically, the funding mechanics stay murky. For fiscal hawks, it’s one other reminder that tariff revenues — usually cited to justify new spending — nonetheless require legislative approval earlier than they are often deployed.
ECB Holds Regular, Indicators Confidence in European Development
The European Central Financial institution stored rates of interest unchanged at 2.0% for the fourth consecutive assembly at the moment, holding agency after eight fee cuts earlier within the yr introduced borrowing prices down from 4%. The choice was broadly anticipated, however what caught consideration have been the upgraded financial projections: the ECB now sees eurozone development at 1.4% in 2025, up from a earlier estimate of 1.2%.
The catch? Inflation forecasts have been additionally revised larger for 2026, with companies inflation proving stickier than policymakers anticipated. ECB President Christine Lagarde emphasised that the central financial institution is in a “good place” and would proceed taking a data-dependent, meeting-by-meeting method—code for “we’re not slicing or mountaineering anytime quickly.”
For treasured metals, the ECB’s pause retains eurozone financial coverage supportive with out fueling recent inflation considerations. So long as central banks globally stay in easing mode, gold and silver profit from compressed actual yields and weakening fiat currencies.
Silver’s Historic Rally Sparks Revenue-Taking Debate
Silver’s breathtaking 120%+ rally in 2025 — breaking its 1980 all-time excessive and surging previous $60 per ounce — has sparked a heated debate amongst analysts. Some are actually calling for traders to lock in positive aspects, pointing to historic patterns displaying that years with triple-digit returns are sometimes adopted by poor efficiency within the subsequent twelve months.
However not everybody’s able to faucet out. Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard at GoldSilver each consider 2026 might be the yr silver hits triple digits, pushed by persistent provide deficits, surging industrial demand from photo voltaic and EV sectors, and continued safe-haven shopping for. Financial institution of America not too long ago raised its 12-month goal to $65, whereas some bullish forecasts see silver climbing to $75-$100 if financial easing and greenback weak spot proceed.
For long-term holders, any pullbacks could also be considered as shopping for alternatives — however short-term merchants may take chips off the desk after such a historic run.
