Weekly jobless claims fell to 209,000, extending a "positive regime change" where claims remain lower year-over-year. This high-frequency lead indicator suggests the US unemployment rate could soon drop toward 4.1%.

The precious metals – especially silver – have gotten overly extended to the upside while the dollar seems due for a countertrend rally.

US equities faced renewed pressure on Thursday as megacap technology earnings and the Fed’s tepid showing this week weighed on sentiment.