The Bank of Japan kept its key interest rate at -.1% as expected.

The Bank of Japan kept its key interest rate at -.1% as expected. This leaves the Federal Reserve room if in fact they believe the US economy is strong enough for a rate hike. Recent economic data however would tend to indicate that this afternoon we are unlikely to see any change from the current base. Ahead of the afternoon’s announcement we are seeing steady buying in the precious metals sector. Silver and palladium are making strides to the upside and silver looks like it is getting ready to target its next resistance level to the upside of 20.12 while palladium will need a close above 687 to pave the way back over the 700 level. Platinum is also looking to follow and try to regain a foothold above the 1100 price level. Gold the much more liquid and less volatile of the group will likely continue the party by testing as high as 1367 if it closes above 1334 today. However all this goes out the window if the Fed makes a move at its announcement at 2 PM EST.