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 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...
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...
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...
Silver prices are currently trading above $74.49 per ounce in the US session on Friday (December 26th), extending a remarkable rally that began several months ago, fueled by geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar. This surge was fueled by continued speculation, supply dislocations in major trading centers, and a large influx of funds into silver-backed ETFs. Rising demand, from both the investment and industrial sectors, has made silver a leading choice amidst the global economy.Silver is also supported by fundamental factors such as rising geopolitical tensions and concerns about...
Gold reached an all-time high, continuing its extraordinary rally fueled by geopolitical tensions and a weakening US dollar. Spot gold prices rose 1.2% to above $4,530 per ounce, influenced by tensions in Venezuela and the US offensive against ISIS in Nigeria.The weakening US dollar also supported the surge in this precious metal. The Bloomberg Spot Dollar Index fell 0.7% this week, giving gold and silver room to continue strengthening. Massive buying by central banks and ETFs also contributed to the price increase. Furthermore, platinum also recorded a significant surge, rising 40% this...