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...
Global gold prices today tended to be flat, slightly weaker, at around $4,205–$4,210 per troy ounce, pressured by a strengthening US dollar following strong employment data. Investors have almost fully priced in the Fed's 25 bps interest rate cut tonight, but are wary of a "hawkish" cut (a rate cut, but with a tighter tone), so gold's upside is temporarily limited. The market's primary focus is no longer on the cut, but on the dot plot and the Fed's projections for 2026: how many more cuts they will leave open, and how Powell will speak about inflation and employment. As long as the 10-year...
Silver prices broke a record high above $60 per ounce and briefly touched around $60.92, driven by expectations that the Fed would cut interest rates again. So far this year, silver prices have more than doubled, even outpacing gold's rise.The silver rally is also supported by tight supply, large inflows into silver ETFs, and silver's new status as a "critical mineral" in the US, which has led to some domestic stockpiles being held. At the last recorded price, silver prices remained near $60.75 per ounce, while gold and the dollar index tended to be stable. (asd)Silver prices at the time of...
Gold prices strengthened again on Tuesday (December 9), as market expectations of the Federal Reserve (The Fed) possibly cutting interest rates soon grew. The weakening US dollar due to expectations of monetary easing made gold cheaper for holders of other currencies, thus increasing global demand for the precious metal. This sentiment was reinforced by weak US economic data, increasing investor confidence that the Fed would adopt a dovish stance. Demand for gold as a safe-haven asset was not only driven by monetary factors, but also increased amidst growing global economic and geopolitical...
Silver prices rallied again on Tuesday (December 9th), fueled by market expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon cut interest rates. Lower interest rates make silver, a "zero-yield" asset, more attractive than bonds or deposits. At the same time, the weakening US dollar has also boosted silver's appeal to global investors. Beyond monetary factors, industrial demand for silver is also high. Silver is widely needed in the electronics, solar panel, and green technology sectors, while global supply remains tight. The combination of substantial industrial demand and investment interest...
Gold prices are expected to slow next year after a major rally throughout 2025, which analysts call the best annual performance since 1979. Analysts at State Street Investment Management predict that gold will likely consolidate in the $4,000-$4,500 per ounce range in 2026. They believe the major trend driving this year's rally is unlikely to reverse and still provides a positive backdrop for gold prices in the medium term. State Street added that gold will continue to play an important role as a portfolio diversifier if the correlation between stocks and bonds remains as high as it is now....