Overnight data showed that net gold imports from Hong Kong to China jumped from a three month low in December of 71.4 tons up to 76.1 tons in January. This is a common occurrence in January as demand increases ahead of the Lunar New Year and the release of the data last night gave gold an initial boost to kick off its trading session.  Chinese gold imports through Hong Kong set a record in 2013 of 1,158 tons but fell in 2014 to just 813 tons.  Analysts expect Chinese demand to rebound this year after stocks have become depleted in recent months.

US Durable Goods Orders m/m and Core CPI m/m came out better than expected as the US session began today.  The USD index is up a full one percent while the euro is taking a beating and is down nearly 1.50%.  Gold is holding up surprisingly well given where the euro is trading and is still managing to stay in positive territory on the day so far.  It appears to still be supported by Yellen’s testimony earlier in the week which suggested that rates will not rise until later in the year.

Gold remains stuck in a recent range but the trajectory is still lower.  There is double bottom support at $1,190 while offers have materialized around the 100 day moving average of $1,216.50.  Silver made its way higher through its 50 and 100 day moving averages earlier in the day but has been unable to hold above them as the US session has dragged on. Near term support is at the psychological level of $16 and then below there at $15.55.