August 25, 2016 -- U.S. stocks, crude oil and precious metals all traded lower yesterday. Sales of existing homes fell for the first time since February. The poor showing contradicted Tuesday's upbeat report on sales of new homes. And a surprise spike in oil inventories renewed concerns about too much supply and too little demand.

Today, investors will get a look at Durable Goods Orders. Most experts are calling for a healthy rise in activity based largely on orders for commercial aircraft. A strong showing in other sectors - particularly for capital equipment and machinery - would suggest businesses are finally expecting some growth.

Precious metals mining companies were hit hard in yesterday's trading. The recent declines in the price of gold and silver had an outsized impact on miners. The most-watched Gold Miners ETF lost more than 7%.

Markets appear to be positioning for Janet Yellen to declare the intent to start hiking interest rates soon during tomorrow's speech from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. But that's something Fed officials have found easier said than done.

Live prices at MoneyMetals.com show gold currently trading at $1,320.45 per ounce on the global market, and silver is coming in at $18.56.