Opposition from some Fed members and some hot data appear to have finally quashed expectations for a Fed rate cut in March, along with a hawkish move by the ECB. Falling rates (usually at the longer end of the curve), are generally good for gold, but the Fed's first rate cut after a previous rate hike cycle represents weak activity, producing only short-term rallies if and when an economic or equity correction ensues, pushing long-term yields lower and lower
The path back to target inflation, like the path to a soft landing, is always narrow and treacherous. And there are some worrying developments that could shake up the “endless deflation” the US has experienced over the past few months, potentially pushing back policy easing beyond March.