* Talk of rate cuts is ‘premature,’ says Fed Chairman Powell
* Nuclear fusion takes another step toward solution to humanity’s energy needs
* Gold trades at new record high — above $2100/oz.
* Hydrogen offers three big, timely opportunities re: climate change
* Federal Reserve faces growing climate-related protests to alter lending rules
* US construction spending increased more than expected in October
* US ISM Mfg Index contracts for 13th straight month in November
* US is producing crude oil at record levels:

Deflation is conspicuous in the durable goods sector and will provide support in the Federal Reserve’s efforts to reach its inflation target in the near term, reports The Wall Street Journal: “Economists say goods prices likely have further to fall, which will ease inflation’s return to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, perhaps as early as the second half of next year. Prices for long-lasting items, known as durable goods, have fallen on a year-over-year basis for five straight months. In October, they were down 2.6% from their peak in September 2022, according to data released Thursday by the Commerce Department.”