Markets here in the U.S. are looking a bit rosier following Friday’s

Markets here in the U.S. are looking a bit rosier following Friday’s relatively cordial “Fiscal Cliff” discussion between the President and lawmakers. This has given hope to investors that Congress will be able to keep the economy from going over the edge and slipping back into recession. The combination of spending cuts and tax increases will take effect on January 1^st if the President and lawmakers don’t find some common ground before then. Violence in the Gaza strip, between Israel and Hamas, has the world on edge and it doesn’t appear the two sides are willing to talk it out. Gold and oil have pushed higher as the conflict threatens to spill into all-out war. The yellow metal is up nearly 1% after closing Friday’s session at $1715.Gold is now trading at $1730. The rest of the precious complex looks to be riding gold’s coat-tails with a little help from thin trading conditions to start the Holiday shortened week here in the States. Existing home sales will be released at 10:00 am EST. Have a great day!