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 continue to strengthen, driven by a strong combination of rising industrial demand and a weakening US dollar. This increase is also in line with optimism about the global green energy transition, which is increasing silver consumption in the solar panel, electric vehicle, and semiconductor sectors. Furthermore, the Fed's dovish stance, which hinted at potential interest rate cuts, has weakened dollar yields, making precious metals like silver and gold more attractive to investors. Fund flows into silver-based ETFs have also increased significantly, reinforcing signals that the...
Gold fell slightly at the start of the Asian session, catching its breath after breaking a new record high above a key psychological level. Several technical indicators pointed to overbought conditions after consecutive rallies, prompting profit-taking and pushing prices back toward their highs. Its safe-haven appeal eased slightly after signs of progress toward a peace agreement in the Middle East, although global concerns remain significant. Throughout the year, gold's trend remained supported by central bank buying and concerns about US monetary and fiscal policy. The US dollar remained...
December Brent rose 0.8% to $65.96, and November WTI rose 0.9% to $62.27. The API reported a -1.8 million barrel drop in product inventories at Cushing, while national crude inventories are expected to rise but remain near seasonal lows—enough to provide a price floor.In terms of global supply, OPEC+ continues to increase production, and US production is reaching a record; Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian infrastructure are boosting crude oil exports. The risk of oversupply remains, but the market is awaiting evidence of increasing inventories; as long as stocks are limited, the price bias...
Silver broke through $48/oz and approached a 14-year peak as investors sought safe havens amid the US government shutdown, which has entered its second week, delaying data releases and clouding the economic outlook. The market also believes the Fed is likely to cut interest rates by 25 bps this month, with a further cut likely in December—a combination that typically supports precious metals—despite occasional USD strengthening. Fundamentally, physical demand from solar and electronics remains strong, while the global supply deficit is expected to persist into 2025, supporting prices....
Gold prices (XAU/USD) weakened in Tuesday's trading after a strong rally, dragged down by a strengthening US dollar and rising Treasury yields. Risk-off sentiment began to ease as optimism emerged that US government budget negotiations would soon reach a resolution, reducing demand for safe-haven assets. Furthermore, some market participants also began taking profits after gold prices briefly reached a record high above $3,900 per ounce earlier in the week. Nevertheless, the medium-term outlook for gold remains positive. Expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon...