Oil prices concluded 2024 with a second consecutive year of losses, despite a modest increase on Tuesday. While Brent crude futures and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude saw slight gains, they remain below their year-end 2023 levels, indicating a subdued market.The subdued price environment reflects a confluence of factors. …
Read More »China’s Economy on Track for 5% Growth in 2024, Xi Jinping Confirms
China’s GDP is projected to grow by approximately 5% in 2024, aligning with the government’s formal growth target, according to President Xi Jinping. This reinforces confidence in the resilience of the world’s second-largest economy despite a year of economic uncertainty. Stability Amid Challenges: Speaking at a New Year event, Xi …
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 »Gold Prices Steady Amid Thin Year-End Trading, Set for Strong Yearly Gains
Gold prices remained largely unchanged during Asian trading hours on Tuesday, with Spot Gold steady at $2,607.65 per ounce and Gold Futures for February delivery edging 0.2% lower to $2,620.22 per ounce by 00:23 ET (05:23 GMT). Year-end trading typically sees thin volumes, with institutional investors wrapping up positions ahead …
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 »XAU/USD Slides as US Dollar Rebounds, Fed Signals Fewer Rate Cuts
Gold prices declined sharply on Monday, falling towards $2,600, as the US Dollar strengthened. The US Dollar Index (DXY) rebounded above 108.00, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies.While lower US Treasury yields typically weigh on gold, the relationship between the two assets was less pronounced on Monday. …
Read More »Oil Prices Dip Amid Thin Holiday Trade, Eyes on U.S. and China Data
Oil prices edged lower on Monday in light holiday trading as markets awaited key economic data from China and the U.S., the world’s two largest oil consumers, to gauge future growth prospects. Price Movement Brent crude futures slipped 8 cents to $74.09 a barrel by 0700 GMT, while the more …
Read More »Weekly Recap: A Rocky Year’s Finish
The US stock market experienced a decline in the holiday-shortened week, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declining by 1.1% and 1.5% respectively largely due to the performance of the communication services and information technology sectors. However, US Treasury yields have continued to rise, surpassing the 4.6% mark, largely …
Read More »Gold Price Slumps Amid Existing Elevated Interest Rates
Gold prices continued their downward trajectory today, weighed down by persistently strong US interest rates. This decline brings the market closer to a critical support level – a key trend line – whose breach could signal further weakness. The precious metal is trading at 2,620.95, down -0.45% on the day.Technical …
Read More »Gold Prices Steady in Thin Year-End Trading, Set for Weekly Gain
Key Highlights Gold Prices Hold Steady: Spot Gold: Unchanged at $2,633.40 per ounce. Gold Futures (Feb): Slight dip of 0.2% to $2,649.91 per ounce by 05:20 GMT. Weekly Performance: Set to gain 0.3%, recovering from a 1% decline last week. Muted Trading Activity: Year-end holidays reduced trading volumes as institutional …
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