Oil prices fell on Wednesday (December 31st), posting a nearly 20% annual loss, as expectations of oversupply grew in a year marked by war, higher tariffs, increased OPEC+ production, and sanctions against Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Brent crude futures fell about 19% in 2025, the most substantial annual percentage decline since 2020 and the third consecutive year of losses, the longest streak on record. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude posted a nearly 20% annual decline. On the final day of the year, Brent futures closed at $60.85 per barrel, down 48 cents, or 0.8%. U.S. WTI...
Gold prices rose in early Asian trading amid growing geopolitical concerns in the Middle East. This increase occurred as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates escalated in recent days, prompting investors to seek safe haven assets like gold. The situation escalated after Saudi Arabia warned its Gulf rivals against threatening its security. The kingdom asserted it would take all necessary steps to address potential threats. This strong statement sparked concerns about a possible escalation of conflict in the strategic region. According to Bas Kooijman, CEO and asset...
Silver prices strengthened today, January 2, 2026, as investor interest increased at the start of the year. Market sentiment was driven by persistently high global uncertainty, leading silver to regain traction as a hedge, although typically not as strong as gold. The start of the year is often a time for investors to reorganize their portfolios. From a macroeconomic perspective, the direction of US interest rate policy remains a key factor. The market believes the possibility of a rate cut remains open if the US economy slows. This condition tends to support silver prices, as precious...
GBP/USD strengthened to around 1.3480 at the start of Friday's Asian session, holding above 1.3450. This strengthening occurred as the US dollar weakened again, as markets became increasingly confident that the possibility of a Fed interest rate cut remains open this year. Dollar sentiment was also pressured as investors saw the potential for further USD weakness if the next Fed chairman was more dovish and pushed for deeper interest rate cuts. Market expectations regarding this policy direction have reduced the dollar's appeal against other major currencies, including the pound...
Precious metals opened the New Year 2026 with strong performance in Friday's trading. Gold, silver, and platinum continued their strong rally after posting remarkable gains throughout 2025. Global geopolitical tensions and hopes for interest rate cuts kept demand for safe-haven assets high at the start of the year. The spot gold price rose 1.3% to around US$4,372 per ounce, after previously hitting a record high in late December. US gold futures also strengthened. Analysts say year-end selling pressure has eased, allowing market focus to return to fundamental factors such as interest rates...