(Kitco NewsWire) - Spot gold prices were firmer and spot silver prices were lower in late U.S. trading Thursday, as a strong 30-year Treasury auction helped yields retreat from the morning highs, while oil’s surge kept inflation and year-end Fed tightening risk in the trade.

(Kitco News) - The silver market continues to struggle in the face of persistent inflation pressures and higher bond yields. However, one market strategist says the precious metal remains an important monetary asset and diversification tool.

(Kitco News) – Gold’s ability to maintain its trading range and attract fresh ETF inflows despite soaring bond yields suggests its next move could be to the upside, while central banks’ shift away from dollar assets continues to bolster the longer-term bullish outlook, according to Kenny Zhu, Director of Research and Investment Strategy at Sprott.