Inflation data appear to have cemented the market’s view of a quarter-point rate cut next week, but beyond that they have provided little clarity. Traders now see a 99% chance of a cut on Dec.18, up from 71% a week ago,

Gold gained on Wednesday after an inflation print came in line with expectations, boosting the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate cut next week, while investors awaited U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI) data for further direction on monetary policy.

Mortgage rates could still fall if economic data weakens and the Fed continues cutting interest rates. But that's a big "if." Lately, progress has stalled on getting inflation dow