The U.S. oil and gas sector is at a crossroads. While recent data points to a modest improvement in business activity, a closer look reveals a complex and nuanced picture. The Dallas Fed Energy Survey, for instance, indicated a slight uptick in the company outlook index, suggesting a cautiously optimistic …
Read More »Oil Prices Edge Higher Amid Cautious Optimism on Chinese Growth
Oil prices started 2025 with modest gains on Thursday as investors cautiously assessed China’s economic outlook and fuel demand. President Xi Jinping’s pledge to adopt proactive policies aimed at boosting growth in 2025 provided some optimism to the market. Brent crude futures climbed by 0.21% to $74.80 per barrel, while …
Read More »Wall Street Retreats as Record-Breaking Year Closes
US stock indexes experienced a downturn on Tuesday, indicating a potential subdued finish for a year marked by significant gains. The S&P 500, after a brief initial rise, turned negative, declining by 0.6%. This follows two consecutive days of losses exceeding 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slipped, while …
Read More »Key Cryptocurrency Predictions for 2025: Navigating Uncertain Outlook
The cryptocurrency market experienced a remarkable surge in 2024, with the total market capitalization soaring to over $3.3 trillion, a nearly twofold increase from the previous year. Bitcoin, the dominant cryptocurrency, led this charge, gaining over 125% in value. This bullish sentiment was fueled by several key factors, including the …
Read More »What Can Markets Expect From Looming Fed’s 2025 Review?
In 2025, the Federal Reserve will undertake a comprehensive review of its monetary policy strategy and tools, a critical self-assessment conducted every five years. This review comes at a pivotal moment, following a period of historically high inflation and aggressive interest rate hikes.The previous framework update, conducted in 2020, introduced …
Read More »US Dollar Slightly Lower but Set for Strong Annual Gains in 2024
The US Dollar edged lower in early trading on Tuesday, reflecting thin year-end market activity. However, the greenback remains on track for significant gains in 2024, driven by the Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rate cuts and expectations tied to the incoming Donald Trump administration. Dollar Index: Down 0.1% …
Read More »Oil Prices Edge Higher on China Manufacturing Data but Remain Set for Yearly Losses
Oil prices rose on Tuesday following news of China’s continued manufacturing expansion in December. However, both Brent and WTI are poised to end lower for the second consecutive year due to demand concerns in key consuming nations. Brent Crude Futures: Increased by 0.8% to $74.56 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate …
Read More »Oil Prices End 2024 At Murky Midpoint: A Year of Contradictions and Uncertainties
The year 2024 in the oil market was characterized by a perplexing blend of robust demand and lingering uncertainties. While global oil consumption reached a record high, defying expectations amidst concerns about slowing Chinese economic growth, the year ended with prices largely stagnant. Brent crude hovered around $74 per barrel, …
Read More »Market Drivers, US Session – Holiday Grind: Markets Drift in Year-End Slumber
The final days of the year have descended upon global markets, ushering in a period of characteristically subdued activity. With major exchanges shuttered for several days during the holiday week, trading volumes have dwindled, and price movements have become muted. The US Dollar Index (DXY) has remained largely unchanged, hovering …
Read More »Tech Tumble Dampens US Stocks as 2025 Draws Near
The year 2024 ended with a subdued note for US stocks, particularly the technology sector. This downturn, following the Federal Reserve’s indication of a slower pace of interest rate cuts, raises questions about the market’s resilience and the sustainability of its recent gains.While the S&P 500 enjoyed a remarkable 25% …
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