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...
Brent oil prices have fallen relatively as the market begins to consider the possibility of an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. If the war subsides, Russian oil exports, previously restricted by sanctions, could re-enter the market, adding to the already abundant global supply. This situation is pressuring prices even though global demand remains stable. On the other hand, other geopolitical tensions, such as the situation in Venezuela, remain a factor influencing the market. However, the potential for increased supply from countries like Venezuela and Russia is keeping investors...
Silver prices remain strong due to high industrial demand and limited supply. Silver is widely used in solar panels, electric vehicles, electronics, and other advanced technologies, while new production is not fast enough to meet market demand. This has led to a depletion of global physical silver stocks, supporting high prices. Furthermore, expectations of low US interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty make silver increasingly attractive as a safe haven asset. Investors tend to buy silver to protect their wealth, especially during times of global tension or market fluctuations, so...
Gold prices weakened slightly, around 0.21% in the latest trading session, hovering around $4,487. This pressure arose as investors began holding positions while awaiting the direction of US interest rate policy and economic data. Although the decline was relatively small, this movement indicates the market is in a consolidation phase after previously high volatility.Analysts believe gold's weakening was driven more by investor caution, rather than a major shift in sentiment. As long as global uncertainty and expectations of interest rate cuts persist, gold remains attractive as a hedge....
Silver prices fell in trading today, January 2, 2026, after strengthening earlier in the year. This decline was triggered by a strengthening US dollar and market concerns about a global economic slowdown, which temporarily dampened investor interest in industrial metals like silver. Furthermore, demand from the technology and energy sectors was observed to be declining, adding to price pressure. Analysts say that silver now faces a major test in early 2026, and investors will be waiting for economic signals and central bank policies to determine the direction of this metal's movement....
Oil prices held steady on the first trading day of 2026 after recording their steepest annual decline since 2020. WTI held above $57/barrel (around $57.45 in Singapore morning), while Brent closed around $60.85/barrel. The market now awaits the OPEC+ meeting on January 4, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, which is expected to continue its November decision to restrain supply increases.Geopolitically, the Trump administration is tightening pressure on Venezuelan oil exports through sanctions on companies in Hong Kong and China, as well as on ships attempting to evade the measures; there was...