Gold prices are near steady and silver prices lower near midday. Profit taking is featured today after gold earlier in the day hit new contract/record highs. Silver prices are lower, also on profit taking after hitting a 14-year high on Monday. Bullish fundamentals and bullish technical charts are likely to continue to fuel the bull market runs in both precious metals. December gold was last up $1.80 at $3,679.00. December silver prices were down $0.517 at $41.385. The key outside markets today see the U.S. dollar index firmer, while crude oil futures are higher and trading around $63.25 a barrel. The yield on the ... (full story)