Market Update

An OPEC document dated January 4, seen by Reuters, showed that the OPEC+ group of oil producers is considering reducing production by 500 thousand barrels per day in February, and three other scenarios include maintaining production at current levels or increasing 500 thousand barrels per day.

The German statistics office said that the country’s retail sales are expected to grow around 4% in 2020 following a strong performance in November, indicating that consumers have spent money despite the broader economic damage from the coronavirus. The office said Tuesday that retail sales rose about 2% in November, …

Britain announced Tuesday a new support package of 4.6 billion pounds ($ 6.2 billion) for businesses affected by the renewed coronavirus lockdown across the country. Finance Minister Rishi Sunak said that retail, hospitality and entertainment companies will be able to claim new one-off grants of up to 9,000 pounds sterling …

European stocks rose today, Tuesday, supported by the rise in shares of oil companies and retail, while investors ignored new general isolation measures in Britain to contain a rise in infections with the Coronavirus. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.1% after opening slightly lower following losses in Asia and …

Oil prices were almost unchanged on Tuesday ahead of stalled talks between major producers over potential changes to February production that are due to resume later in the day as concerns over fuel demand persist in light of new lockdown measures to combat COVID-19. Brent crude futures for March delivery …

“We cannot ease up on coronavirus-induced restrictions for now,” French Health Minister Olivier Véran said in a statement on Tuesday. “Will authorise vaccination of people aged 75 and above who are living at home by the end of January.”

Japanese stocks fell on Tuesday, as the government appeared to be preparing to declare a state of emergency to deal with the rise in Covid-19 infections, while investor appetite for risk was also negatively affected by the uncertainty over the re-election for the Senate in the US state of Georgia. …

Gold prices fell on Tuesday after reaching an eight-week high, at a time when the US dollar recovered from its lowest level in several years ahead of a re-election for the US Senate in Georgia that will determine the future course of fiscal stimulus in the world’s largest economy. Gold …

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new general isolation in England on Monday, January 4, and instructed citizens to stay home to contain the most contagious strain of the Coronavirus. “It is clear that we need to do more to bring this new variant under control,” Johnson said. “That means …

Crude oil prices finished Monday on a lower note, amid anticipation for the outcomes of the OPEC+ summit, which will resume on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia is calling for maintaining the output curbs, while Russia is asking for raising production in anticipation for demand recovery. Brent crude futures for March delivery …