European stock markets appeared calm on Tuesday, following a strong rally in the previous session. Major indices such as the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 moved flat as investors chose to wait for new direction while assessing news from various major companies. The property and utilities sectors posted positive performances, followed by banking stocks, which also gained slightly. Conversely, stocks in the chemical and food and beverage sectors weakened. L'Oréal recorded a slight decline, while UniCredit rose slightly ahead of its latest financial report. On the positive side, Assa Abloy shares...
Gold fluctuated around $2,690 per ounce on Wednesday, halting a two-day rally, as investors repositioned ahead of key US inflation data due later in the day. This data is crucial, as it could either strengthen or weaken the likelihood of a third Federal Reserve rate cut next week. A rate cut would support gold by lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. Despite the pause, gold remained near two-week highs, underpinned by expectations of loose monetary policies from other major central banks and increased demand for safe-haven assets. The ECB, SNB, and BoC are all...
Silver (XAG/USD) prices extended its gains for the third straight session, trading around $32.00 during Asian hours on Wednesday. The demand outlook for precious metals, including Silver, in the world's largest raw material consumer has improved following news of potential economic stimulus from China. The Politburo announced plans to adopt a "moderately loose" monetary policy and a "more proactive" approach to fiscal stimulus next year, marking a shift from the more cautious tone of the past decade. Silver prices are getting support from the increasing odds of the US Federal Reserve (Fed)...
The dollar index held steady around 106.3 on Wednesday, after three straight days of gains, as investors braced for a crucial US inflation report that could have a significant impact on Federal Reserve policy. A higher-than-expected inflation reading could delay the Fed's plans to reduce borrowing costs, potentially supporting the US dollar. That said, markets are currently pricing in an 86% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed later this month, although the outlook for 2025 remains highly uncertain. Traders are also eyeing interest rate decisions from the Bank of Canada and the...
The Australian Dollar (AUD) hovers against the US Dollar (USD) on Wednesday after experiencing losses in the previous session. The AUD/USD pair faced challenges, driven by the broadly stronger US dollar (USD). Traders now focus on the release of crucial US November Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, which are expected to be released later in the North American session. The US CPI inflation is estimated to rise to 2.7% YoY in November from 2.6% in October. Meanwhile, the core CPI, excluding Food & Energy, is expected to increase 3.3% YoY. Any indications of stalled progress could...
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $68.20 on Wednesday. The WTI price remains on the defensive amid a surprise climb in crude inventories and weak demand outlooks, particularly in China. However, the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East might cap the downside for the WTI price. WTI prices edges lower after disappointing China's international trade data on Tuesday. China's exports rose 6.7% YoY in November, while Imports fell by 3.9% YoY during the same period. Both the readings came below the market consensus. Additionally, China...