Oil prices rose in early Asian trade on Friday, continuing their upward trajectory for a third consecutive week. Harsh winter conditions in parts of the United States and Europe have intensified demand for heating fuels, adding to supply concerns amid tightening sanctions and global economic shifts. Brent crude futures increased …

Gold Market Highlights Gold Extends Weekly Gains Amid Uncertainty Spot gold rose 0.1% to $2,672.12 per ounce, while gold futures for February delivery gained 0.2% to $2,695.74 per ounce during early Asian trading. For the week, spot gold is up approximately 1.5%, as concerns over U.S. interest rates and trade …

Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gaining 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, as traders balanced strong winter demand expectations against rising U.S. fuel inventories and macroeconomic uncertainties. Key Market Drivers Demand Expectations and Supply Concerns Brent crude futures increased by 35 cents to …

Shares in leading UK retailers fell sharply on Thursday, erasing £2 billion ($2.45 billion) in market value, as concerns about weakening consumer confidence and mounting economic pressures overshadowed strong Christmas trading results. Key Highlights Pressure on Consumer Sentiment Retailers are bracing for higher employer taxes and minimum wage increases starting …

The U.S. dollar held firm on Thursday, bolstered by hawkish Federal Reserve minutes and strong economic data that fueled expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts in 2025. Global currencies, however, faced mixed fortunes due to varying economic and policy dynamics. Key Highlights Dollar Holds Ground Amid Strong Yields …

Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, delivered better-than-expected export and industrial production data for November. However, underlying indicators suggest that the outlook remains subdued. Key Data Highlights Exports: German exports rose by 2.1% in November, slightly exceeding the forecasted 2.0% increase. Trade with non-EU countries was the primary driver, with exports …

European stock markets traded slightly lower on Thursday, as investors evaluated economic data and retail sector earnings. At 03:05 ET (08:05 GMT), Germany’s DAX slipped 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 remained flat. Trading volumes are expected to be muted, with U.S. markets closed to …

Oil prices held steady on Thursday as markets balanced strong winter fuel demand expectations with concerns over rising U.S. fuel inventories and macroeconomic uncertainties. Brent crude futures dipped by 6 cents to $76.10 per barrel at 07:27 GMT. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined by 5 cents to $73.27 …

Gold prices steadied in Asian trade on Thursday after two consecutive days of gains, supported by safe-haven demand amid uncertainty over a hawkish Federal Reserve and concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s potential trade tariff policies. Spot gold dipped slightly by 0.1% to $2,660.36 an ounce, while February gold futures gained …

China is bracing for an unprecedented travel surge during the upcoming Lunar New Year, with authorities predicting a staggering 9 billion domestic trips during the 40-day Spring Festival period starting January 14. This forecast, despite the country’s sluggish economic recovery, reflects a deep cultural tradition of family reunions during the …