The Fed brought out not so much the jawbone, but perhaps its dentures, and changed 'considerable' to 'patient' and set some expectations for a rate hike perhaps as early as April.

Of course this is all rubbish, and the Fed will do what they need to do to protect the US' financial paper, especially in the time of currency war.

Gold took a somewhat perfunctory hit by the little wiseguys sometime after the announcement, almost as an afterthought, and silver pretty much held its level.

I am leaving a bit early today to do things related to family and the holidays. These things will remain. The trappings and vanities of Empire are already turning to dust.

Gold and silver will be fine I suspect. But we must be wary of the desperation of those who are both corrupt and powerful.

Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends, acquaintances, and patrons of Le Café.

Have a pleasant evening.