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...
Gold prices have the potential to gain support this morning following news of US President Donald Trump's removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. This action raises uncertainty regarding the direction of the Fed's monetary policy, as Trump's move is seen as an attempt to expand his influence over the central bank. Political uncertainty and the risk of intervention in the Fed's independence typically drive investors to seek safe-haven assets, including gold, to cushion price declines or even drive gains in early trading. Furthermore, market expectations for a Fed interest rate cut...
Silver prices (XAG/USD) weakened on Monday (August 25th), hovering around $38.749 per troy ounce after a three-day rally. This weakening was in line with the slight strengthening of the US dollar, which made the USD-denominated precious metal less attractive to foreign investors. However, strong expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month continue to provide fundamental support, as silver, along with gold, tends to strengthen in low interest rates. On the demand side, industrial fundamentals also support silver prices, particularly due to increasing demand from the...
Gold prices were stable during the Asian session on Monday (August 25th), driven by a strengthening US dollar, but Powell's dovish signals at Jackson Hole kept downside risks limited. Expectations of a Fed rate cut in September lowered the opportunity cost of holding gold, although Powell warned that inflationary pressures were still trending upward and the labor market was starting to weaken. Meanwhile, Russia-Ukraine tensions added to the hedging bid for gold. Going forward, the direction of XAU/USD is likely to be determined by US dollar dynamics and US inflation/employment data: a...
The bias remains positive after Powell hinted at a Fed rate cut in September, raising the odds of a rate cut to ~80–90%. A softer dollar and yields are a tailwind for silver; near-term catalysts: the US PCE and payrolls releases, which will shape policy expectations. Fundamentally, the silver market is projected to be in deficit for the fifth consecutive year in 2025, supported by strong industrial demand (especially PV/solar)—a price driver behind daily volatility. Correction risks: a USD rebound or hotter US inflation data, which could reduce the probability of a rate cut. Silver price...
Gold prices fell on Friday (August 22nd), driven by a strengthening US dollar, which makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers. Meanwhile, investors await Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium as a key indicator of the direction of future monetary policy. CME FedWatch indicates a 75% probability of an interest rate cut at the next Fed meeting, a key support for non-yielding assets like gold. Source: Newsmaker.id