It is anticipated that the December NFP report will reveal a higher-than-anticipated number, with headline employment growth possibly falling between 170K and 225K. Economists and traders anticipate that the US added 168K net new jobs in the report, while average hourly wages increased by 0.3% m/m (3.9% y/y) and the …
Read More »Oil settles lower in choppy US session
Oil prices have dropped due to massive weekly gasoline and distillate stock builds, which overshadowed a larger-than-expected crude stock draw. Brent crude settled down 66 cents, or 0.8%, to $77.59 during the session, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled down 51 cents, or 0.7%, to $72.19. Low fuel …
Read More »Oil prices rise as concerns about supplies continue
Oil prices experienced a rise in early trading on Thursday, January 4, extending substantial gains from the previous session amid concerns about Middle East supplies. This surge is attributed to the shutdown of production in a field in Libya and escalating tensions due to Israel’s conflict in the Gaza Strip. …
Read More »Gold prices rise before the release of US economic data
Gold prices experienced an increase in today’s trading on Thursday, January 4, rebounding from the significant decline witnessed on Wednesday, marking the sharpest drop in three weeks. This decline occurred after the release of the minutes from the last US Federal Reserve meetings in 2023, revealing uncertainty regarding the timing …
Read More »Market Drivers – US Session, January 3, 2024
The US dollar is still seen favourably at the start of the new trading year. Asian markets should closely monitor the Chinese schedule going forward, since Caixin Services and Composite PMIs are due on that calendar. While there is nothing planned in Oz for Thursday, the final Manufacturing PMI watched …
Read More »Gold retreats following FOMC minutes
Gold retreats to a two-week low as the FOMC minutes reveal no dovish slant even though they acknowledge progress in inflation. The US Dollar Index rises 1.11% while the precious metal struggles with a loss of nearly 1%, indicating strong USD performance. The market is focusing on December’s Nonfarm Payrolls …
Read More »Gold prices rise as USD declines ahead of Fed
Gold prices saw a slight increase on Wednesday, supported by a weaker dollar and the market’s anticipation of key data releases, including the Federal Reserve meeting minutes and the private sector jobs report in the United States. These releases are crucial for gaining insights into potential changes in interest rates. …
Read More »Oil prices rise due to continued shipping tensions through the Red Sea
Oil prices experienced a slight increase in early Asian trading on Wednesday, driven by ongoing concerns about shipping disruptions in the Red Sea and escalating tensions in the Middle East. As of 0004 GMT, Brent crude rose by 26 cents, or 0.4 percent, reaching $76.11 per barrel, while US West …
Read More »WTI falls by 1% after briefly surging
Earlier on the trading day, oil rose on the back of news reports about ship attacks near Yemen. However, economic data continues to soften. OPEC production unexpectedly increased, further pressuring WTI bids. News reports of ongoing attacks on cargo ships off the coast of Yemen sparked a brief rally in …
Read More »Gold declines, still within bullish zone on rate cut bets
Gold prices are gaining momentum for 2024, with prospects of a Fed interest rate reduction starting in March. Factors boosting rate-cut hopes include a 2% decline in underlying inflation and easing labor market conditions due to restrictive monetary policy. However, the precious metal faces a marginal sell-off as the US …
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