The MicroSectors Gold Miners 3x Leveraged ETN (GDXU) closed down 1.78% at $32.58 on December 17, 2024, as gold mining stocks faced pressure amid stronger U.S. economic data and looming Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decisions. The underlying securities, including GDX and GDXJ, saw declines of 0.63% and 0.34%, respectively, while individual miners like Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HMY) dropped 2.14%. The market's focus on the FOMC meeting has heightened concerns over potential interest rate hikes, which typically weigh on gold prices by increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Additionally, the stronger U.S. economic data has bolstered the dollar, further pressuring gold prices and mining stocks.