The precious complex is in the red this morning as a stronger U.S. dollar

The precious complex is in the red this morning as a stronger U.S. dollar and month-end profit-taking weigh on the markets. With no real news to keep the markets elevated, other than any fiscal cliff developments, market participants are seizing the opportunity to lock in profits ahead of year-end and position themselves for the potential trouble that looms just around the corner on January 1^st. Palladium is off 2.5% from yesterday’s close at $668.20 while silver is also down 2.50% to $33.060. Platinum sunk back below $1600 ad is currently down 1.75% to $1590. Gold is also down  1.75% to $1712 after closing yesterday’s session at $1742.30. Lack of progress over a fiscal cliff deal has investors on edge and will continue to do so throughout the rest of the year. Today brings about new home sales data at 10:00 AM ET and the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book release later this afternoon. Across the pond, it was reported on Tuesday that a debt deal had been proposed that would pave the way for Greece to receive another infusion of funds pushing the euro back to the $1.30 level. However, not surprisingly, details remain sketchy and concerns over whether all parties involved would agree on the deal places a blanket of uncertainty over the region and has the euro now trading at $1.289. Have a great day!