Market Update

the Gold Index (XAU/USD} is set to end the week with losses after reaching a daily high at $1974.48 on Thursday. Breaking news that Russia would be open to sit down and talk with the Ukrainian Government, increased appetite for riskier assets.The news about potential talks was the detriment of …

In a statement on the Russo-Ukraine was released on Friday, China said that Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty should be respected and urged talks between Ukraine and Russia as soon as possible. China also called for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis as soon as possible. Shortly after, senior Chinese diplomat …

Baker Hughes on Friday reported that the number of active US rigs drilling for oil was up by two to 522 this week. That followed a climb of 4 oil rigs the week before, Baker Hughes data show. The total active US rig count, which includes those drilling for natural …

The euro edges down 0.58% so far in the week, after falling in three of the week’s five trading days.On Friday, the EUR/USD trims some of its weekly losses, recording gains of 0.48% during the North American session. At press time, the EUR/USD is trading at 1.1252.In the overnight session …

Friday’s trading session, so far, has witnessed risk appetite improved as European and US equities trade remain in the green territory, ahead of the weekend on a busy week in the financial markets. In the currencies’ space, risk-sensitive currencies led by the NZD and the AUD record gains, while safe-haven …

Bitcoin has been crushed at times over the last week, but the improvement markets have seen in risk appetite has given it a big boost. It is now recovering around 15% from yesterday’s lows and is up more than 2% today.Bitcoin is the ultimate risk asset, and if sentiment remains …

The US housing market continues to lose momentum with fewer Americans starting the process of buying a new home, according to the latest data from the the National Association of Realtors (NAR).Friday, the association said that its Pending Home Sales Index fell to a reading of 109.5 in January, down …

US shares rose on the last day of the current trading week, despite having been in the red territory since Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized Donetsk and Luhansk separatist regions in Ukraine as independent states.Wall Street stocks were positively driven by economic data, which highlighted the rise of durable goods …

The US Federal Reserve on Friday released its semiannual Monetary Policy Report (MPR), which it normally does one week ahead of Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s semiannual testimony before the US Congress. The report reiterated the Fed’s policy guidance that it will soon be appropriate to raise the target range for …

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the greenback vs. a bundle of its main competitors, comes under pressure and slips back below the 97.00 yardstick on Friday.The index gives away further ground following a tepid change in the markets’ mood after news reported a probable meeting between Russian and …