Oil prices rose in early Asian trading as tensions between the US and Venezuela escalated, according to a research note from analysts at Nanhua Futures. They cited S&P data showing a decline in tanker traffic to Venezuela, which could tighten supply flows and improve market sentiment.Analysts believe this geopolitical risk has the potential to support oil prices in the short term, while investors will monitor developments in US-Venezuela relations for potential triggers for further price movements. During the session, the front-month WTI contract rose 0.7% to $57.13 per barrel, and the...
Gold prices (XAU/USD) fell slightly in the Asian session on Monday (December 29th) after previously reaching a record high of around $4,550 per ounce. This correction was triggered by profit-taking ahead of the year-end holidays when market liquidity was thin, coupled with the effect of a strengthening US dollar, which made gold more expensive for buyers outside the US.Nevertheless, gold's overall trend remains strong, having risen nearly 70% so far in 2025 (its best performance since 1979). Expectations of a Fed rate cut in 2026 and geopolitical tensions helped contain the decline, while...
Silver prices stabilized on Tuesday after their biggest drop in five years, holding above $72 per ounce after dropping 9% in the previous session. The decline was triggered by technical indicators suggesting excessive price increases and thin market liquidity. Several exchanges increased margins on silver contracts to control risk, forcing traders to close their positions. Despite this, silver and gold remain on track for their best annual performance since 1979.Silver's rally was driven by central bank buying, flows into ETFs, and interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Chinese...