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...
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...
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...
Gold held above $2,600 per ounce on Tuesday after two sessions of declines, showing little movement over the past week as investors awaited fresh catalysts. Traders are closely monitoring signals about the US economy, President-elect Donald Trump's tariff policies, and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy outlook, all of which could influence gold's trajectory. Resilient labor market data from payroll counts and signs of persistent inflation has recently led FOMC members to project fewer rate cuts next year, which weighed on gold prices in Q4 as the hawkish Fed reduced the appeal of...
Gold price (XAU/USD) holds ground after two days of losses amid thin trading volume on Monday. Gold prices are set to finish the year with an impressive 27% gain, representing their strongest annual performance since 2010. This rally has been driven by central bank purchases, rising geopolitical tensions, and monetary easing policies implemented by major central banks. The yellow bullion, Gold, remained relatively stable as investors reacted to indications of a hawkish Federal Reserve (Fed). Robust labor market data, reflected in payroll counts, and persistent inflation prompted FOMC...