The Comex gold futures market is trending lower and this week hit a 6.5-month low. The bears are in firm near-term technical control. A U.S. dollar index that continues to trend up and which is helping to push U.S. Treasury yields still higher are two bearish outside market elements that will likely continue to constrict the precious metals market bulls for at least the near term. The path of least resistance for gold prices remains sideways to lower. Stay tuned! Jim Wyckoff