Stock Market Update

[BRIEFING.COM] The Nasdaq Composite (+0.21%) is about 46 points higher with about two hours to go on Monday.

Gold futures settled $1.00 lower (flat) at $3,417.50/oz, likely reflecting a cautious market awaiting further clarity on U.S. tariff policy toward bullion imports -- particularly given earlier reports that 1-kg gold bars might face steep duties, which had previously upended futures-spot dynamics. At the same time, the metal remains buoyed by expectations of near-term Federal Reserve easing, following weaker-than-expected U.S. labor data. Thus, today's small move appears to reflect a consolidation around those dual influences of trade-policy uncertainty and interest-rate expectations.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index is now up +0.6% to $98.25, holding losses of about -0.9% on the month.