Precious metals have been pushed down in the markets again on the prospect that the Federal Reserve will reduce economic stimulus as more reports indicate growth in the U.S. economy, with both gold and silver hitting their lowest points since the summer.

The Bloomberg U.S. Dollar Index, which measure the currency’s strength against 10 of its major peers, remained near its 11-week high since yesterday, with U.S. manufacturing picking up most speed in two years. The NFP report is expected to show an increase of 181,000 for last month.

The stronger U.S. economy has lessened investors’ faith in the store value of the precious metal which might see its first annual drop in 13 years. The minutes form the last Fed meeting were released on 20th November revealing that policy makers expected an improvement in the economy “in coming months” which has investors anticipating an early tapering of the stimulus. The next meeting will take place on 17th-18th December.

Gold for immediate delivery dropped 0.7 percent. Prices reached $1,212.47, the lowest since July 5. Bullion for delivery in February dropped 0.5 percent on the Comex in New York.