It is apparent, from recent comments by certain Fed members, that the FOMC remains a house divided when it comes to the topic of stimulus tapering before year-end.

It is apparent, from recent comments by certain Fed members, that the FOMC remains a house divided when it comes to the topic  of stimulus tapering before year-end. However, these circumstances are nothing new as market participants have never really received a definitive answer as the direction of taper talk seemingly changes with the ocean tides. Nonetheless, said market participants are left to ponder the uncertain future and Friday’s staggering NFP numbers remain a thorn in their side, at least until Novembers numbers come out and the true October NFP’s are known. Let’s all just remember the 2.5% inflation and 6.5% unemployment targets set by Chairman Bernanke and his cohorts. Pressure on gold remains to the downside in the near term, at least until Janet Yellen speaks at her confirmation hearing tomorrow.  The PGM’s remain rather subdued despite ongoing labor tensions in South Africa and a report, released by a company that needs no introduction, that forecasts a deficit in Pt in 2014. Have a great day!