Analysis: If tonight's December US CPI is significantly lower than expected, the anticipation of earlier interest rate cuts may drive gold prices higher.

Odaily According to comprehensive market analysis, if tonight's December US CPI is significantly lower than expected, the anticipation of earlier interest rate cuts will drive a rapid strengthening in gold prices; if it is slightly lower, gold prices will maintain a bullish pattern and rise with volatility; if it meets expectations, the market will hold steady, with gold consolidating at high levels and awaiting the next signal; however, if inflation exceeds expectations, especially with a rebound in core inflation, rising real interest rates will pressure gold prices to fall in the short term. Yet, if the persistence of "high interest rates + sticky inflation" evolves into concerns about stagflation, gold may instead attract stronger safe-haven buying in the medium term.