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 is set to decline in late 2024 as the gap between silver supply and demand deepens, highlighting the growing imbalance. Despite bullish supply fundamentals, silver's upside remains capped by Federal Reserve policy and a strong dollar. After cutting rates three times in late 2024, the Fed has signaled only 50 basis points of easing in 2025. This gradual approach is supportive of the dollar and keeps Treasury yields high, reducing the appeal of non-yielding assets like silver. Source: Newsmaker
Gold prices moved slightly up in European trading on Tuesday (12/31).Marking its strongest annual performance since 2010 with a 26% increase for 2024. The surge was driven by US monetary easing, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and record central bank purchases. Gold prices started trading in Asia this morning at $2607/Toz.Looking ahead to 2025, investors weighed the impact of US monetary policy uncertainty, potential challenges under the Trump presidency, and China's push for economic recovery. Notably, gold's rise occurred despite a stronger US dollar and higher Treasury yields, which are...
Silver fell below $29 an ounce, its lowest level since September, amid an aggressive Fed outlook and uncertain demand for industrial silver. Inflation concerns prompted the FOMC to project fewer interest rate cuts in 2025, prompting the market to trim its exposure to non-yielding bullion. Meanwhile, previous rate cuts by the Fed supported bullion enough to boost silver prices by 23% this year. Source: Newsmaker
Gold prices (XAU/USD) attracted some sellers near $2,600 during the early Asian session on Tuesday (12/31). Traders await fresh catalysts, including the outlook for US interest rates and potential tariffs under President-elect Donald Trump. The market is likely to be quiet before the end of the year. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve's (Fed) cautious stance could weigh on the yellow metal as higher interest rates tend to reduce the appeal of holding non-yielding assets. Fed Chair Jerome Powell hinted earlier this month that the US central bank may be cautious about further interest rate...
Silver (XAG/USD) prices traded below $29 per troy ounce on Tuesday (12/31), this is the lowest level since September, amid an aggressive Fed outlook and uncertain demand for silver's industrial utilities. Inflation concerns prompted the FOMC to project fewer interest rate cuts for the coming year, prompting the market to cut its exposure to non-yielding bullion assets. While previous rate cuts by the Fed supported bullion enough to lift silver prices by 23% this year, pessimistic demand for silver as an industrial input has pushed the metal to perform far below gold in the period. Silver...