CFTC: week ended Oct. 20, COMEX gold speculative net longs fell 2,392 contracts to 108,685; COMEX silver speculative net longs fell 1,988 contracts to 3,746.

Economists say the RBNZ will need to hike sharply to rein in a rebound in inflation, even if that requires action 10 days before the election. Q3 CPI eased slightly, but most analysts expect Q4 inflation to accelerate above 4% and remain above the RBNZ’s 1–3% target for longer than the bank had projected. Rising fuel prices and a weaker NZD are the main upside pressures. Most economists expect the official cash rate to be raised to 3% next Wednesday (Oct. 28). ASB senior economist Smith warns sustained higher inflation is a major problem, forecasts CPI above 3% until Q4 2027, and expects the RBNZ on Oct. 28 to acknowledge more work is needed and to retain a conditional bias to tighten further.

印尼盾兑美元跌至18060。