Oil prices rose slightly in trading on Tuesday (January 20) after better-than-expected Chinese economic data boosted demand optimism. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.3%) to $64.13/barrel, while February WTI which expires today rose 25 cents (0.4%) to $59.69/barrel. The more active March WTI contract also edged higher to around $59.42/barrel. This strengthening was driven by news from China, the world's largest oil importer. The Chinese economy reportedly grew 5.0% through 2025, meeting the government's target. Refinery activity also increased, with refinery throughput rising 4.1% and crude oil...
Silver prices eased in mid-U.S. trading on Thursday, but remained above $31 an ounce as traders bet the U.S. Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again this month. The probability of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December jumped to about 79%, up from 66.5% last week. The expectations grew after data showed U.S. service sector growth slowed more than anticipated in November, even as Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled the central bank was in no rush to cut rates, citing strong growth, a robust labor market and persistent inflation pressures. Source: newsmaker.id
Gold prices dipped in the mid-day US session on Thursday as US Treasury yields rose following the release of weekly jobless claims data, while markets awaited US nonfarm payrolls figures for fresh insights into the Federal Reserve's stance on cutting interest rates. The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits rose modestly last week, suggesting the labor market continues to cool steadily. Investors' focus now turns to Friday's US nonfarm payrolls, which are likely to increase by 200,000 jobs in the month after rising by just 12,000 in October, for further...
Silver (XAG/USD) prices moved lower to around $31.20, ending a two-day winning streak during the early European session on Thursday(12/5). The Federal Reserve's (Fed) cautious stance on interest rate cuts weighed on the white metal. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said Wednesday that the strength of the U.S. economy means the U.S. central bank can afford to be "a little more cautious" about decisions about interest rate moves. Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, noted that he does not expect another rate cut after the December meeting until March 2025 at the earliest.
Gold prices are currently stable in the Asian session on Thursday, as political turmoil in South Korea spurs safe-haven demand, although anticipation of further cues on US interest rates keeps traders on the sidelines.
Silver prices maintained their recent gains to around $30 an ounce on Wednesday, holding at a more than one-week high as markets anticipate that the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again at its December meeting. Currently, markets are pricing in a 75% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut this month. Investors are now focused on the upcoming US jobs data and remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell later this week for further clarity on the Fed's monetary policy path.