
Oil prices rose on Wednesday (February 11th), supported by a combination of geopolitical risk premiums from US-Iran tensions and more solid Asian demand signals particularly from India which helped ease concerns about a market surplus. Market participants considered Middle East headlines to be "outweighing" the negative sentiment from the surge in US oil inventories. At 09:15 GMT, Brent rose 78 cents (+1.13%) to $69.77 per barrel, while WTI gained 75 cents (+1.18%) to $64.52 per barrel. This increase extended the gains of the past two days, as the market reassessed a "risk premium" on...
Gold prices strengthened on Wednesday, supported by a weaker US dollar and falling US bond yields after the latest economic data reinforced the narrative that the Federal Reserve is likely to continue its policy easing. Investors are now adopting a more defensive stance while awaiting the release of US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP), which has the potential to trigger further volatility. Based on updated spot prices, spot gold is at around $5,076.10 per ounce, up $34.20 (+0.68%). This data was recorded at 4:43 AM ET (approximately 4:43 PM WIB). In the derivatives market, US gold futures also...
Oil remained in the green zone on Tuesday (February 10th), as the market refused to abandon the Middle East risk premium. As of 13:07 GMT (20:07 WIB), Brent rose +0.4% to $69.32/barrel, while WTI rose +0.2% to $64.51/barrel. The primary fuel source remains the same: the Strait of Hormuz. US maritime authorities have issued guidance for US-flagged vessels passing through to stay as far away from Iranian territorial waters as possible and to verbally refuse any requests for boarding from Iranian authorities. Although only "guidance," the market interpreted it as a risk signal as Hormuz is a...