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 fell on Thursday (December 11) as the market began profit-taking after a sharp rally following the Fed's dovish decision. Previously, expectations of interest rate cuts and a weakening dollar had pushed gold prices closer to their peak, but now some market participants are opting to secure profits while awaiting new data and signals from central banks. The rebound in the US dollar and a slight increase in US bond yields also weighed on gold, making non-yielding assets like bullion slightly less attractive in the short term. In addition to technical factors and profit-taking,...
Silver hit a new record high today as the market grew more confident in the Fed's interest rate cut trend and the weakening US dollar. Yields on interest-bearing assets fell, prompting investors to shift funds to precious metals, and silver followed suit alongside gold. Furthermore, silver is being viewed not only as a hedge but also because of its significant role in industrial sectors such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and electronics. However, this sharp surge to an all-time high also increases the risk of a correction. If economic data disappoints or the Fed signals a longer pause...
Oil prices rose to $62 after the US seized a sanctioned tanker off Venezuela and Ukraine attacked Russian "shadow fleet" vessels, adding to the geopolitical risk premium. Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, while recent data showed US crude stockpiles fell by 1.8 million barrels, providing some support for prices.However, from a fundamental perspective, analysts still see the shadow of a "super glut" due to rising OPEC+ and US production, which could potentially exceed demand. Therefore, although geopolitical tensions are lifting prices in the short term, many market...
Silver prices rose on Wednesday (December 10th), setting a new record on the spot market. This increase was driven by strong expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates soon, potentially driving down dollar yields and investors seeking alternative hedges such as precious metals. Fundamentally, the silver rally is also supported by a combination of investment and industrial demand. Inflows into silver-based ETFs have surged in recent days, indicating strong investor interest, while the physical market is in a supply deficit, so any increase in demand immediately pushes prices higher....
Global gold prices are currently trending lower on Wednesday (December 10). The main pressure comes from market concerns that the Fed could deliver a "hawkish cut," meaning a 25 basis point interest rate cut, but with a cautious tone and a signal that future easing will be less aggressive. These expectations have strengthened the US dollar relatively and put pressure on dollar-priced gold. Furthermore, many investors are opting to take profits after gold's prolonged rally throughout 2025, while awaiting the Fed's official decision and the latest economic projections for 2026. Remaining...