European stocks closed slightly higher on Friday amid a mix of corporate earnings reports, while markets assessed the outlook for European growth and interest rates. The STOXX 50 edged up to 5,674, and the STOXX 600 gained 0.2% to close at a record 575. Sanofi rose 3% on better-than-expected third-quarter earnings, and Saab jumped 6% after raising its full-year organic sales forecast. NatWest also jumped 5% on higher third-quarter earnings and an improved performance target. ENI also jumped nearly 2% after releasing its earnings results. Meanwhile, Safran fell 1.4% despite beating analysts'...
The dollar was firm on the last trading day of the year, poised to clock strong gains in 2024 against most currencies as investors prepared for fewer U.S. rate cuts and the incoming Trump administration's policies. The dollar's ascent, buoyed by rising Treasury yields, has pushed the yen toward its lowest levels since July, when the Japanese authorities last intervened. On Tuesday, it was at 157.02 per dollar, on course for a 10% drop in 2024, its fourth straight year of decline against the dollar. Japanese markets are closed for the rest of the week, and with most markets closed on...
WTI crude oil futures rose above $71 per barrel on Tuesday, rising for the third consecutive session amid thin holiday trading. Traders are awaiting factory survey data from the US and China for insights into the demand outlook from these key consumers. Meanwhile, oil is on track for a modest annual loss of around 0.5% after months of being confined to a narrow trading range. The market is now bracing for a potentially turbulent year ahead, with concerns about a supply glut, geopolitical risks, and the potential impact of the incoming Trump administration on oil policy contributing to...
Gold is heading for one of its biggest annual gains this century, with a 26% advance that has been fueled by US monetary easing, sustained geopolitical risks, and a wave of purchases by central banks. While bullion has ticked lower since Donald Trump's sweeping victory in November's US presidential election, its gains over 2024 still outstrip most other commodities. Base metals have had a mixed year, while iron ore has tumbled, and lithium's woes have deepened. The varied performances over 2024 highlight the absence of a single, over-riding driver that's steered the complex's...
Gold price (XAU/USD) falls to near the weekly low of $2,600 in Monday's North American session. The precious metal faces selling pressure as the US Dollar (USD) recovers intraday losses and turns positive, with the US Dollar Index (DXY) returning above 108.00. The higher US Dollar makes the Gold price an expensive bet for market participants. 10-year US Treasury yields tumbled to 4.55% on Monday. Lower yields on interest-bearing assets generally weigh on non-yielding assets, such as Gold, by increasing their opportunity costs. However, the relationship appears positive on Monday. The...
Silver price (XAG/USD) trades cautiously near Friday's low around $29.50 in thin volume conditions before New Year on Monday. The white metal is broadly under pressure as the outlook of the US Dollar (USD) remains firm on expectations that a moderate policy-easing cycle by the Federal Reserve (Fed) in 2025 will keep US Treasury yields elevated. 10-year US Treasury yields are down 0.5% in Monday's European session but are still almost 15% higher this calendar year near 4.60%. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback's value against six major currencies, ticks lower but remains...