US REPO loans explode!

Gold prices have found a bit of balance this week after the recent pullback, holding steady as traders catch their breath and wait for fresh signals. After a rough patch, it looks like the market’s trying to settle into a new short-term range.

In the US, the Fed’s Standing Repo Facility just had its biggest day ever — lending $US50.35 billion to financial firms in two rounds on Friday. That’s a strong hint that liquidity’s getting tight behind the scenes, even if the Fed says all is fine on the surface.

Adding to the mix, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway has made a big move — selling 41% of its Bank of America stake and stepping away from most of its banking positions altogether. When one of the world’s most patient investors starts exiting the banks, people tend to pay attention.

Here in Australia, the RBA kept interest rates on hold, as expected. It’s a relief for borrowers, but it’s still shaping up to be a lean Christmas for many households. Supermarkets are already rolling out a “Home Brand Festive Season” message, a sign of the times as cost-of-living pressures bite hard.

Gold and silver prices on The Gold Price Club continue to show both buy and sell rates from dealers across Australia — helping you spot the best time and place to trade. Keep an eye on those spreads; when the big money starts moving, retail prices tend to follow quickly.