Gold prices vulnerable as central banks remain hawkish and technicals signal potential selloff.

Gold and silver prices are slightly down due to hawkish monetary policies of central banks, making government bonds more attractive. The Bank of England raised its main rate by 0.5%, while the Federal Reserve Chairman, Powell, reiterated that the Fed is not happy with inflation levels and two more interest rate increases this year are probable. The U.S. dollar index is slightly higher, while crude oil prices are lower. Gold futures bulls and bears are on a level overall near-term technical playing field, while silver bears have gained the overall near-term technical advantage.