CME expected to announce new smaller silver contract to lower barrier to entry and attract new speculators due to rising volatility and margins.

Stock futures slightly lower ahead of CPI report; DOJ probe into Fed combined with lower CPI could damage Fed credibility.

Russell 2000 outperforming S&P 500 for 7 sessions; NFIB Small Business Index rose to 99.5 in December, showing optimism in small business and AI implementation.

JP Morgan trading desk predicts 1.75% rally if S&P meets or beats CPI estimates; our models show downtick in CPI while street expects higher number.

Precious metals pulling back from all-time highs; silver up 66 cents; predicted breakout after 4-day consolidation; profit taking occurred.

Gold 14-day average range $92.50; key support around $43,314 ($250 lower); silver 14-day average range $4.88 - could reach $100 by week's end with continued volatility.

ETF flows: buying gold, silver, palladium; selling platinum; gold ETF holdings highest since Sept 2022; gold up 6.4% YTD.

JP Morgan earnings expected to show 13% increase in trading revenue; US earnings should beat modest expectations driven by sales growth and AI names.

Watching CPI release impact on dollar index, 10-year yields, equities, gold - all markets interconnected.

Rate cut expectations declining overnight (5% chance for January); could jump to 16-25% if CPI below expectations.

Dollar index neutral at 98.72; 10-year yields at top of range 4.19%; key resistance at 113 on futures - breakout above could push yields below 4.10% to 4%.

Bitcoin futures showing higher lows and potential breakout; key level 93,000; trend support rising from 86,800.

Street completely hawkish on CPI but data collection period showed softer agricultural, housing, and energy data - would not be surprised by softer-than-expected CPI.

Would not be surprised to see softer-than-expected CPI report with quick explosive volatility back to upside.