October gold futures were last up $2.40 at $1,790.00 and September Comex silver was last up $0.019 at $23.81 an ounce.
The markets showed little reaction to the news, but traders are wondering if the larger-than-expected decline in retail sales in July was due to worries about the resurgence of the Covid virus.
The stunningly rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban has left Americans stranded in the country and its own population running scared.
Also, the surging Covid delta virus is starting to impact major economies, including and especially China.
Next week’s annual Jackson Hole Fed symposium is likely to see clarification on the Fed’s monetary policy and the timing of any upcoming actions by the central bank.
It’s a very busy day for U.S.
Technically, October gold futures bulls have gained the slight overall near-term technical advantage and have momentum on their side.
The next downside price objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at this week’s low of $22.295.