Market Update

European shares remained at their highest level in ten months Thursday, December 17th, as hopes for more stimulus in the United States and possible distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Europe boosted expectations for a global economic recovery. The German DAX index rose 1.1% to reach its highest level since February, …

Gold prices reached a week high on Thursday, December 14th, as progress in reaching an agreement on fiscal stimulus in the United States pressed the dollar, while the yellow metal received more support thanks to the US Federal Reserve’s pledge to keep interest rates low until the economy recovers. In …

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) board members announced a no change to their monetary policy settings after it concluded the December quarter monetary policy assessment on Thursday. The SNB kept the key sight deposit rate steady at -0.75% while maintaining the 3-Month Libor Target Range steady between -1.25% to -0.25%, …

Japanese stocks closed higher for a second session Thursday (December 17th) as sentiment received a boost from expectations of further economic stimulus in the US and pledges of support from the US Federal Reserve. The benchmark Nikkei index rose 0.18% to 26,806.67 points, offsetting losses incurred in morning trade. The …

Oil prices closed higher on Wednesday, amid hopes for a new stimulus package in the United States, and after a decline in US crude inventories last week. Crude prices maintained their best levels since early March, as the global benchmark, Brent crude futures for February delivery gained 32 cents, or …

Gold prices rose on Wednesday, amid anticipation for a new stimulus package in the United States. The yellow metal futures for February delivery rose by $3.80, or 0.2%, to close at $1,859.10 per ounce. This is the highest closing level for gold futures since December 8.

The United States Federal Reserve has decided as expected to maintain interest rates near 0% during its two-day meeting that concluded on Wednesday. The Fed policy statement noted that policymakers are committed to maintaining asset purchases at at least $120 billion per month.

Crude oil inventories in the United States decreased by 3.1 million barrels last week to stand at 500 million barrels, according to the weekly report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released on Wednesday. Meanwhile, gasoline stockpiles rose by 1 million barrels to 238.9 million barrels and distillate stockpiles …

Business inventories in the United States grew during October by 0.7%, after rising by 0.8% in September, data by the US Department of Commerce showed on Wednesday. On an annual basis, inventories declined by 4% compared with their level in October 2019. Retail inventories increased by 0.9% in October, up …

Bitcoin exceeded the $20,000 price tag for the first time in history earlier today, marking a new milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Bitcoin is trading higher for the day by around 6.6% at $20,653.75. The biggest digital currency has seen gains of around 12.4% over the next seven days.