Oil prices stabilized on Thursday (February 12th), as the market reassigned a risk premium to US-Iran tensions despite US inventory data showing swelling domestic supplies. This movement confirms one thing: geopolitical headlines are still more "noise" than signals of a short-term surplus. As of 3:50 PM WIB, Brent was at $69.60/barrel (+0.29%) and WTI was at $64.83/barrel (+0.31%). The gains were moderate, but enough to keep prices near the psychological $70 level for Brent. From a geopolitical perspective, market focus is on the potential for escalation in the Middle East. Recent reports...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices seesawed between modest gains/minor losses through the first half of the European session on Tuesday (February 4) as it remained close to its all-time tops touched the previous day. US President Donald Trump's decision to temporarily suspend tariffs on Mexico and Canada, after reaching a border security deal with the two countries, boosted investor confidence. The risk-on flow, along with the Federal Reserve's (Fed) hawkish pause, provided a modest lift to the US Treasury bond yields and helped the US Dollar (USD) regain some positive traction after the previous day's...
Silver traded around $31.50 an ounce on Tuesday, holding near its highest level since early December as the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China boosted demand for the safe-haven asset. China announced retaliatory tariffs after President Donald Trump's 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports went into effect. Earlier, Trump agreed to delay imposing 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a month after the countries agreed to take tougher action on migration and drug trafficking. Meanwhile, strong manufacturing data from the ISM indicated some long-awaited pickup in U.S. factory activity,...
The Australian dollar (AUD) held firm after China's retaliation after new US tariffs of 10% on all imports from China came into effect on Tuesday (4/2). China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it would impose 15% tariffs on US coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, along with additional 10% tariffs on crude oil, farm equipment and certain cars. Additionally, to "safeguard national security interests," China imposed export controls on tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and related products. The AUD/USD pair faces challenges as market volatility remains a concern as...
Gold (XAU/USD) prices attracted some sellers following an intraday rally that re-approached all-time highs and traded in neutral territory heading into the European session on Tuesday (February 4). However, the declines remained muted amid concerns about the potential economic impact of US President Donald Trump's trade tariffs, which may continue to underpin the safe-haven bullion. Moreover, expectations that Trump's protectionist policies will lead to higher US inflation could further benefit the precious metal's status as a hedge against rising prices. Meanwhile, Trump's decision to...
WTI crude oil futures fell below $72 per barrel on Tuesday after China announced a package of tariffs on a range of U.S. products in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs, heightening concerns about a potential trade war between the world's two largest economies. China said it will impose tariffs of 15% on coal and LNG imports from the U.S. and 10% on crude oil, farm equipment, and certain cars, effective February 10. This move came after the passing of a deadline that imposed a 10% U.S. tariff on all Chinese goods. Trump had earlier delayed planned levies on Canada and Mexico by a...
The dollar index rose toward 109 on Tuesday as the 10% US tariffs on imports from China took effect, marking the start of a trade war that could have significant economic repercussions. China immediately retaliated by imposing its own tariffs on selected US exports, including oil, gas, coal, cars, and farm equipment, effective February 10. Markets are now weighing the potential impacts of these tariffs on growth and inflation, further clouding the outlook for Federal Reserve monetary policy. Meanwhile, President Trump agreed late on Monday to "immediately pause" planned tariffs on Mexico...
GBP/USD continues to gain ground for the second successive session, trading around 1.2430 during the Asian hours on Tuesday. The pair improved amid improved risk-on sentiment after US President Donald Trump announced late Monday that he would pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada. However, market volatility remains a concern, with investors closely monitoring developments in ongoing tariff negotiations. President Trump stated that he would suspend steep tariffs on Mexico and Canada after their leaders agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers to the US border to combat drug trafficking. The tariffs...
The Japanese yen fell past 155 per dollar on Tuesday, struggling to regain momentum as the suspension of U.S. tariffs on Mexico and Canada reduced demand for the safe-haven currency. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to "immediately pause" planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month after successful negotiations with their respective leaders. Markets are also becoming more optimistic that the U.S. and China could strike a deal to prevent the 10% tariffs on Chinese imports set to take effect later today. In Japan, investors are focusing on Wednesday's release of wage...
Gold rises in the early Asian trade. There's a broad commodities uptrend, driven by macro uncertainty, a weaker dollar, and persistent demand for "hard" assets, says Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst...
Oil extended declines after OPEC+ agreed to a bigger-than-expected production increase next month, raising concerns about oversupply just as US tariffs fan fears about the demand outlook.
Brent...
The Japanese Yen (JPY) weakened against its US counterpart and reversed part of Friday's recovery from the lowest level since July 23 following Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda's remarks....