Gold as a Popular Investment and Retail Interest Surge
Gold has long been a favored investment choice. In recent years, retail interest in gold has witnessed a significant upswing as more market participants recognize the importance of portfolio diversification. Jin Hennig, CME's global head of metals, emphasizes that one-ounce gold futures will open up more opportunities for a broader range of retail traders. The trend among retail investors to seek smaller-sized gold products as a means of diversifying their portfolios is on the rise, especially as spot gold has repeatedly hit new highs this year. The precious metal remains a reliable haven asset in times of economic and financial uncertainties.Benefits of One-Ounce Gold Futures Contract
This new one-ounce gold futures contract offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides retail investors with a more accessible entry point into the gold market. With a smaller contract size, even those with limited funds can participate and gain exposure to gold. Secondly, it allows for greater flexibility in trading. Retail traders can adjust their positions more easily based on market conditions and their investment strategies. Moreover, it adds to the diversity of CME's metals offerings, catering to the evolving needs of retail investors. This contract enables them to build a more balanced portfolio by including gold as part of their investment mix.Impact on the Gold Market and Retail Investors
The introduction of the one-ounce gold futures contract is likely to have a significant impact on the gold market. It is expected to attract more retail investors, further fueling the demand for gold. This increased demand can potentially lead to higher prices in the gold market, benefiting both existing and new investors. For retail investors, it offers a new tool for managing their portfolios and hedging against market risks. They can use this contract to speculate on the price movement of gold or to protect their existing gold holdings. Additionally, it provides a platform for retail traders to learn about and engage in the gold market, enhancing their financial literacy and investment skills.Deutsche Bank's Insights
Deutsche Bank Research's macro strategy team pointed out that US Treasury yields fell across the curve due to some weaker-than-expected data. In light of this, investors increased the likelihood of a December rate cut from the Fed. Futures took the probability up to a three-week high of 77.5% by the close. Meanwhile, sterling was flat against the euro (GBPEUR=X) on Thursday morning, trading at €1.2079. This came after the French government lost a no-confidence vote for the first time since 1962. In France's National Assembly, 331 votes out of 577 were in favor of ousting the government of Michel Barnier. The macro strategists at Deutsche Bank said, "The result was broadly expected, so it's little surprise that markets haven't seen much of a reaction. Indeed, since Marine Le Pen's announcement on Monday that her party would vote against the government, it was clear that the numbers were there to remove the government, so that was when the biggest market reaction took place."Gold Prices and Economic Data
Gold prices dipped slightly lower on Thursday morning as investors weighed the latest comments from Powell along with economic data releases. Spot gold edged 0.3% lower to nearly $2,642.62 per ounce, while US gold futures were trading 0.2% lower at $2.669.70 per ounce. The November reading of the US Institute of Supply Management (ISM) services index on Wednesday was weaker than expected, with the headline figure of 52.1 falling below a consensus forecast of 55.7. The employment component of this measure of US services growth also dropped to 51.5. Additionally, the latest US private payroll figures from provider Automatic Data Processing (ADP) were weaker than expected at 146,000, compared to forecasts of 150,000. These readings precede Friday's US jobs report, a closely watched measure of the labor market. James Knightley, US chief international economist at Dutch banking group ING, said, "The Fed commentary this week has generally leaned dovish and if we do get a jobs report indicating roughly 100,000 of net job creation and the unemployment rate ticks up to 4.2%, as we expect, then a 25bp rate cut on 18 December looks probable."Oil Prices and Middle East Conflict
Oil prices rose on Thursday as investors awaited a decision later in the day on what producer group OPEC+ will do regarding supply cuts. Brent crude futures climbed 0.2%, trading at $72.44 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) (CL=F) climbed 0.2% to $68.70 per barrel at the time of writing. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies - collectively known as OPEC+ - is set to meet on Thursday to discuss its production policy for the first quarter of 2025. Many analysts expect OPEC+ to extend its current supply cuts through at least the end of March to support oil prices amid weaker-than-expected global demand. Investors were also closely monitoring the conflict in the Middle East. Israel's military actions in Lebanon continued despite a cease-fire agreement. Lebanese prime minister Najib Mikati confirmed on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts are underway to address Israeli violations of the truce, with hopes to secure Israel's withdrawal from border towns. However, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would target Lebanese state infrastructure if the cease-fire collapsed, further fueling fears of regional instability.In broader market movements, the FTSE 100 (^FTSE) had a muted open, trading at 8,341.39 points. For more details, check our live coverage here.Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android.Unlock the Mysteries of Infinity Nikki's Financial Realm
Bling - The Common Currency
Bling is akin to the lifeblood of Infinity Nikki. It's a free currency that you'll find yourself using for a multitude of purposes. Just think of it as the equivalent of Honkai Star Rail's Credits. You can use Bling to shop at various shops across Miraland, craft and upgrade your outfits, participate in exciting mini-games, and so much more. While exploring the overworld, you'll often come across Bling as a reward from quests, Styling Contests, and the progress of the battle pass. If you find yourself in need of more Bling quickly, you can trade excess resources in the Realm of Escalation. It's truly a currency that keeps on giving.
Blings' ubiquity makes it an essential part of the game. Whether you're trying to enhance your wardrobe or engage in some light-hearted entertainment, Bling is there to assist you. Its availability through different game activities ensures that players always have a means to acquire this valuable currency.
Diamonds - The Premium In-game Currency
Diamonds are the more exclusive in-game currency in Infinity Nikki. Primarily used to purchase Resonite and Revelation Crystals, these crystals then serve as the key to obtaining new outfit pieces through Resonance. For a detailed understanding of the game's gacha system and how it works, our Infinity Nikki gacha explainer guide is a must-read!
Diamonds can also be traded for resources in the in-game store, but as advised in our tips and tricks page, it's not the most advisable option. Revelation Crystals, especially those used for wishing on the limited-banners, are hard to come by. Hence, it's recommended to save your Diamonds for such purposes whenever possible. You'll find that Diamonds are often rewards for completing quests, Styling Contests, Style Challenges, and more. Additionally, you'll collect Diamonds every time you activate a Warp Spire, complete your Daily Wishes, finish full outfits, and fulfill objectives in your Pear Pal's Courses tab. Diamonds add a touch of luxury to the game and are highly sought after by players.
Stellarite - The Premium Purchasable Currency
Stellarite is the premium currency in Infinity Nikki, and it can only be obtained by making real-money purchases in the in-game store. Once acquired, it can be used to purchase premium outfits from the store or more Resonance and Revelation Crystals. This currency gives players the opportunity to enhance their gaming experience with exclusive items.
With Stellarite, players can truly stand out in the game and showcase their style. Its limited availability through real-money purchases adds a sense of exclusivity and value to the currency. Whether you're a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, Stellarite offers a unique way to enhance your gameplay.
Surging Ebbs and Tranquility Droplets - Duplicate Item Currencies
Surging Ebbs and Tranquility Droplets are the currencies that you receive whenever you pull duplicate clothing items from Resonance. Duplicate 3 and 4-Star items are transformed into Tranquility Droplets, while duplicate 5-Star items become Surging Ebbs. These currencies can be spent on more Revelation or Resonite Crystals via Infinity Nikki's Resonance Store. Additionally, they can also be used to obtain potions and resources that you might find yourself in need of.
The existence of these currencies provides a way for players to make the most of their duplicate items and gain additional value from them. It's a clever system that rewards players for their luck in pulling duplicates and allows them to use these resources in meaningful ways.
Upgrade Currencies - Essential for Outfit Enhancement
Although not traditional currencies, these common resources play a vital role in Infinity Nikki. Shiny Bubbles are used for upgrading outfits and can be obtained through quests, Style Challenges, Styling Contests, and the Realm of Escalation. Threads of Purity serve the same purpose and can be acquired through similar means.
Whimstars are used to unlock new Sketches and for stat/ability upgrades in the Heart of Infinity. They are obtained through world exploration, adding an element of exploration and discovery to the game. Calm Thoughts are specifically for 4-Star Outfit Evolution and can be obtained in the Realm of Breakthrough.
Heartfelt Thoughts are dedicated to 5-Star Outfit Evolution and are also obtained in the Realm of Breakthrough. Heartshine, on the other hand, is used for 5-Star Outfit Evolution and can be obtained through Resonance: Deep Echoes. Shining Particles are used for upgrading Eureka and can be acquired through quests.
These upgrade currencies are the building blocks for enhancing your outfits and progressing in the game. They add depth and complexity to the gameplay, allowing players to continuously improve and customize their characters.
For more information on Infinity Nikki, be sure to check out our Infinity Nikki codes for additional free rewards and our list of available outfits for Momo that you can try and unlock. Dive deeper into the world of Infinity Nikki and unlock its full potential!