Chip stocks lifted US stock markets, helping them to close higher on Wednesday, but Alphabet and Samsung's earnings have since dampened investors' enthusiasm. The Bank of Canada raised rates by 25 basis points whilst the Fed stayed on hold. Today it's Europe's turn and the ECB is also expected to keep its powder dry. Gold dipped below the magic USD 4,000 per ounce this week and silver has fallen too. Carsten Menke, Head of Next Generation Research, offers his insights into what might be behind the moves, and shares his views on the longer-term outlook for both precious metals.