Mini Gold Futures volatility index increased by 8% this week, signaling heightened trader activity ahead of Friday’s jobs report. Many short-term traders are tightening stop-loss levels. Nomura Unit Laser Targets Japan’s Booming Crypto Trading Market (Bloomberg): Switzerland-based Laser Digital Holdings, a Nomura subsidiary, is in talks with Japan’s regulator to obtain a license to offer crypto trading services for institutional clients. The FOMC meets 8 times a year to set U.S. monetary policy and key interest rate changes; gold markets rise with rate cuts and vice versa. Price action in mini gold futures is reflecting a flight-to-quality move after recent equity volatility, with VIX holding above 17 and gold gaining relative strength.