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A report that Federal Reserve officials are close to ending their reduction of U.S. bond holdings stimulated a run on gold and silver because of its inflationary implications. More political drama in Washington, including the Russia investigation and hopes for a solution to the shutdown caused metals traders to become further emboldened.
The U.S. dollar tumbled sharply on Friday, another related factor, feeding the hungry gold bugs. Gold for February delivery blasted up to $1299.8 per ounce by midday Friday while silver streaked up to $15.70 per ounce. Copper prices also rose sharply to $2.72 per pound.
Stampede into stock index futures
Even though gold and the stock market have, historically, travelled in opposite direction, this week's Fed Reserve story, progress on the shutdown talks, and reports of better corporate earnings fueled strong buying in the S&P and Dow stock index futures along with the metals. Both indexes spiked upward to the highest levels since mid-December. Treasury bond prices which move opposite of the stock market, slid sharply.
China talk helps soybeans climb
Reports that next week's U.S. and China trade talks could be extended and result in a grain deal gave a kick to bean prices. The rumored deal might include annual imports of $30 billion dollars of U.S. Ag products including soybeans, corn, wheat, ethanol and pork. Chatter that Russia could restrict wheat exports helped that market rally at week's end also.
Hot, dry weather in South Africa helped boost corn prices as corn plantings there may be down as much 40 percent in that country. Chinese government seeking better quality corn helped prices as well.
March beans traded at $9.21 midday Friday while corn brought $3.78 per bushel.