Bullishness was signaling current gold volatility

Date: Monday, December 7, 2009

Bullishness was signaling current gold volatility

One of the hallmarks of markets dominated by bullish exuberance is high
volatility -- those unexpected air pockets that can take your breath
away. So recent day's sharp gold declines were anything but
unforeseeable.

INTEREST-RATE WORRIES LIMIT GAINS IN U.S. STOCKS

Stocks remain higher at midday, led by the telecommunications and
utilities sectors, although investors are awaiting a speech from
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

ORTHOPEDIC-IMPLANT MAKER AMONG STOCK STANDOUTS

Two subsectors -- business services and medical-equipment makers --
stand out for making striking gains in the U.S. stock market, with
future moves dependent upon factors such as the labor market and
potential regulation.

GOLD FALLS FOR SECOND DAY ON RATE HIKE SPECULATION

Gold futures fall, pulling back from their record highs as the dollar rises on
speculation the U.S. may raise interest rates next year, reducing
gold's appeal as a hedge against a weak greenback.

OIL TOUCHES 2-MONTH LOW AS DOLLAR RISES

Crude futures fall, briefly touching their lowest level in nearly two months,
as the dollar strengthens on concerns that the U.S. may tighten interest rates.