Gold (XAU/USD) marks another milestone on Wednesday, smashing through the $4,000 level for the first time as investors flock to the precious metal amid global economic and political uncertainty, coupled with a dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) outlook. At the time of writing, XAU/USD is trading around $4,039, hovering below record territory after hitting an all-time high of $4,049 earlier in the day, with prices up more than 4% so far this week. The latest leg higher comes despite a stronger US Dollar (USD) as political turmoil in France and Japan fuels safe haven demand, driving flows into...
Oil prices edged up about 1% to a one-week high on Wednesday as traders expected a lack of progress on a Ukraine peace deal to keep sanctions in place against Moscow, while a weekly report showed growing U.S. oil consumption. Brent crude futures rose 80 cents, or 1.2%, to settle at $66.25 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 82 cents, or 1.3%, to settle at $62.55. That was the highest close for Brent since September 30 and for WTI since September 29. A top Russian diplomat said the impetus to reach a peace deal with Ukraine was largely exhausted. Analysts have said a...
Oil fell for the first time in five sessions, as traders focused on the prospect of cooling tensions in the Middle East and higher US inventories. West Texas Intermediate fell below $62 a barrel, with Brent crude closing above $66. US President Donald Trump said both Israel and Hamas had agreed to terms for the release of all hostages still held by the militant group in Gaza in a breakthrough in the push to end the two-year war. Elsewhere, US nationwide crude stockpiles expanded for a second week, although they remained near seasonal lows, according to official...