1. Markets are basically flat today to start the week. Believe it or not, that is a positive after the Friday bloodbath decline that we saw late last week. Often if there is a big Friday decline the following Monday could be a panic. That is not the case today, at least not yet. 

2. Yields on the 10-year note are at new highs today. They are currently at 2.979% testing that psychological 3% level. Remember, there is a highly anticipated FOMC meeting starting tomorrow and it concludes on Wednesday. The Fed is expected to raise rates by 50 basis points. 

3. Gold is getting slammed today. While it's a bit oversold on the daily chart it is signaling a further decline down to the 1790 area. remember, there will be bounces here, nothing falls in a straight line.  

4. Bitcoin is holding on by a shoestring. The popular crypto asset remains above the 38,500 area. The longer bases or consolidates this level the more likely it forms a bearish pattern. At the moment, it is still holding, so it lives to fight another day.