NEW YORK (Kitco News) - Gold and silver prices are modestly up in early U.S. trading Monday, with gold notching a two-month high. It appears the metals traders have turned their focus from the bearish aspects of a tighter U.S. monetary policy, to the bullish prospects of rising and even problematic price inflation in the coming months. December gold was last up $2.60 at $1,819.40 and December Comex silver was last up $0.173 at $24.33 an ounce.
Global stock markets were mixed in overnight trading. The U.S. stock indexes are pointed to mixed openings when the New York day session begins. The U.S. indexes hit record highs last Friday. There remains little risk aversion in the global marketplace at present. The U.S. House of Representatives late Friday approved a pared-down U.S. government spending plan.
In other weekend news, China reported its October imports were up 20.6%, year-on-year, which was less than expected. However, China’s exports in the period were higher than expected, at up 27.1%.