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Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Morning bid Europe-Yen's wild ride makes markets nervous

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors are unsure when and how the authorities may intervene. After Friday's volatile surge, the yen has risen to a 4-month high of US$153.81 from as low a USD159.23. On Friday, sources said that the New York Federal Reserve had contacted traders in order to check rates. This is often a precursor of an actual intervention. The markets have also been focused on the U.S. cooperation and have been "generally selling" the dollar during Asian hours. This kind of big yen movement without an...

Crude Oil

The dollar is cooled by Trump's Arctic pantomime in the morning bid for Europe

Tom Westbrook gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The Bank of Japan only did enough to keep the yen stable in the Asia session. They also boosted inflation forecasts, but this didn't deter the market from expecting two rate hikes for the year. Dollar was also under pressure in general as investors may have anticipated that the Greenland drama of the past week will make the U.S. less attractive as an investment destination. The world's net long U.S. positions total $27,6 trillion. This leaves a lot of room to trim. After retracting...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE - Sell America, sell Japan

Tom Westbrook gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. Investors in Tokyo are waiting to see how U.S. market's react to the transatlantic tension over?Greenland. The U.S. market resumes trading after a long holiday. During that time, the rest of world sold its stocks and dollar as a response to President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on European Allies who opposed his efforts to "control the Danish Arctic territory". Trump told Norway's prime minister by text that he does not feel obliged to think "pure peace" anymore because he did not receive...

Crude Oil

The great stock rotation continues with MORNING BID Europe

Kevin Buckland gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The move away from the high-flying technology?stocks, which set the pace for the record global equity 'rallies of last year, gained more momentum to the benefit?cyclical shares and?value stocks. As an example, Japan's high-tech Nikkei index dropped by 1% during the narrative. It had previously reached a record-high. The Topix index, which is a broader measure of the market, extended its record-breaking climb by 0.4%. The Russell 2000 index is currently outpacing S&P 500, with a 0.7% gain overnight while the larger index has...

Crude Oil

The yen is on the market's radar with the 'Takaichi Trade', a turbo-charged morning bid in Europe.

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the day will bring for the European and Global markets. And then we're back to screen-gazing, as the yen edged towards?160 a dollar, fueling intervention concerns, as the prospect a snap election in Japan next month turbocharges so-called "Takaichi trading". Investors are selling the Japanese government bonds and the yen because they fear low interest rates and additional stimulus for an economy that has one of the largest debt burdens of any developed country. After local media reported that Prime Minister Takaichi may call for general elections in February, the Nikkei index...

Crude Oil

Morning Bid Europe-Powell’s punch back shocks markets

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors still can't wrap their minds around the latest escalation of the fight between U.S. president Donald Trump and the Federal Reserve. Chair Jerome Powell is fighting back against the "effort" to control interest rates and the Fed. The growing unrest in Iran where, according to an international rights group, more than 500 people were killed, underscored also the geopolitical issues that markets will be navigating by the beginning of 2026. This is why safe-haven assets are well supported. The markets opened trading on...

Crude Oil

The spoils of oil

Rocky Swift gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. While Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro waits for his fate in a New York jail, it appears that nearly $2 billion of Venezuela's oil is also destined for the United States. Donald Trump's recent use of military force in achieving policy goals has resulted in the toppling of a?leader? and the country's oil reserves. He has hinted in recent days at possible strikes against Colombia, Mexico and Greenland. The markets have largely taken these events in stride. Crude oil has reacted the most to the...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE-Venezuela upheaval tests markets

Gregor Stuart Hunter gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The dramatic weekend that saw U.S. forces capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has caused the oil market to be roiled as the first full trading week of 2019 begins, even though the global stock markets appear to have ignored geopolitical risk for the moment. Brent crude futures fluctuated between gains and losses, but ended the day at $60.49. Traders are assessing the impact of the U.S. military attack on Venezuela, the country with the largest reserves of oil in the world, on global...

Crude Oil

The MORNING BID EUROPE - BoE will make it to the list as the others remain on course

Tom Westbrook gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. The markets expect that the Bank of England will be the sole mover in a series of central bank meetings on Thursday. A 25-basis point rate cut to 3.75 percent is almost as predictable as the collapse of the top order at the Ashes Test in Adelaide. Investors were reassured by the unexpected drop in UK inflation on Wednesday. However, with inflation at the highest level among G7 countries, 3.2%, it is unlikely that further rate cuts will be imminent. Sterling is down to...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE-Markets in Grinch-y mood before data deluge

Ankur Banerjee gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets Investors are avoiding risky bets ahead of a slew of economic data coming from around the world and the central?bank meeting in what looks to be an eventful last full week of the calendar year. The European session's focus will be on the UK wage data, which comes just days before a vote on interest rate cuts on Thursday. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey may change his mind and tilt the balance in favor of a reduction. The manufacturing data for Europe in...

Crude Oil

MORNING BID EUROPE - Copper edges out silver to win gold

Gregor Stuart Hunter gives us a look at what the future holds for European and global markets. Shanghai copper futures have reached a new'record high' today, as more stimulus from China is expected. Investors are looking to real assets as the U.S. Dollar falls to its lowest level in two months after the Fed's rate cut this week and the policy stance that pushed against the market’s hawkish view. Dollar debasement had already lifted the price of silver. The stock markets in Asia were up despite fears about the AI bubble. The MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan Index rose 0.8% on the...

Crude Oil

The yen is a hazed mess before the Fed

Rae Wee gives us a look at what the European and global markets will be like tomorrow. Investors have focused their attention on the Federal Reserve rate decision this week, but on Wednesday the currency markets briefly turned to the Japanese yen. After a sudden fall in the yen's value against the euro, and a drop of nearly 0.9% versus the Aussie dollar, the yen appeared to be slurring its words. The dollar was also on the verge of breaking through the 157-yen mark. The move was not a major event, but it could have been a way to position...

Environment

Oil & Gas

Davos starts a new era of grappling with the global order that has been shaken by Trump

Next week, business and political leaders will be attending the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos to test their vision of a global economic order based on rules. The expected appearance of U.S. president Donald 'Trump' in the Swiss resort shows the difference between his agenda, and the consensus-driven approach taken by the?the?WEF. This organization has been criticized for years as a talk shop for the rich. His "America First' policy has resulted in trade tariffs as punishment, military interventions in Venezuela, a threat to take over Greenland with force, and the U.S. retreating from international cooperation on climate...

Oil & Gas

Davos starts a new era of grappling with the global order shaken up by Trump

Next week, business and political leaders will be attending the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos to test their?vision for a global economic order based on rules. The expected appearance of U.S. president Donald Trump in the Swiss mountain resort highlights the difference between his agenda, and the consensus-driven approach taken by the WEF. It has been criticized for years that the WEF is just a rich people's talking shop. His "America First' policy has resulted in trade tariffs as punishment, military interventions in Venezuela, threats to take over Greenland and a retreat by the U.S. from international cooperation...

Electric Utilities

Orsted to be heard by US judge in Trump offshore wind challenge

A U.S. court will on Monday consider the request of Danish?energy firm Orsted to obtain an injunction to stop?the Trump Administration's decision?to halt its $5 billion Revolution Wind project near Rhode Island. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the company by several offshore wind companies, as well as states. They are seeking to reverse the Interior Department's suspension of five 'offshore wind leases' that it had imposed in December over what they called national security concerns. Under U.S. president Donald Trump's?view that wind turbines are ugly, expensive, and inefficient, offshore wind developers have seen their multi-billion dollar plans repeatedly...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

Gold reaches $5,300 for the first time due to dollar weakness before Fed decision

The gold price surpassed $5,300 an ounce on Wednesday for the 'first time,' driven by economic uncertainties and a weakening?U.S. dollar. Investors waited for the Federal Reserve to announce its policy amid growing concerns about their independence. By 12:45 pm, spot gold had risen 1.9% to $5,289.48 per ounce. After reaching a record of $5,311.31, ET (1745 GMT), gold prices fell to $5,289.48 an ounce. The previous session saw prices rise by more than 3%. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery jumped by 4% to $5286.50 per ounce. Dollar-priced gold is now cheaper for foreign buyers. Peter Grant, senior metals...

Mineral Resources

Gold reaches $5,300 for the first time due to dollar weakness before Fed decision

Investors waited for the Federal Reserve to announce its policy, amid growing concerns about the independence of the Fed. By 11:05 am, spot gold had risen 1.7% to $5,278.28 per ounce. After reaching a record of $5,311.31, ET (1605 GMT), gold prices fell to $5,278.28 an ounce. The previous session saw prices rise by more than 3%. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery jumped by?3.8% to $5275.30 per ounce. Dollar-priced gold is now cheaper for foreign buyers. Peter Grant, senior metals analyst at Zaner Metals and vice president at Zaner Metals said: "The rally has taken on a new life...

Mineral Resources

Gold reaches record high of $5,300 while the dollar falls

Gold prices rose to $5,300 an ounce on Wednesday for the first-time as a result of waning confidence in the U.S. Dollar and growing concerns about the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Gold spot jumped by 1.3%, to $5,255.95 per ounce, at 1131 GMT, after reaching a record of $5,311.31. Prices rose by more than 3% during the previous session. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery jumped by 3.3%, to $5.250 an ounce. "Gold is not only rising because of market anxiety but also due to a shift in confidence towards a more 'cautious stance,'" said Linh Tran senior...

Mineral Resources

Gold reaches record high of $5,300 while the dollar falls

Gold prices surpassed $5,300 an ounce on Wednesday for the first-time as a result of waning confidence in the U.S. Dollar and growing concerns about the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Gold spot jumped by 1.7%, to $5,275.68 per ounce, at 0940 GMT, after reaching a record of $5,311.31. Prices rose by more than 3% during the previous session. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery jumped by 3.7%, to $5,271.70 per ounce. "Gold is not only rising due to'market anxiety', but also as confidence in global monetary and fiscal order is shifting towards a more conservative stance," explains Linh...

Mineral Resources

Steelmaker SSAB exceeds earnings forecast aided to improved Americas business

SSAB, a Swedish steelmaker, reported a 'bigger than anticipated rise in its operating 'profit 'in its fourth quarter on Wednesday. This was aided by an improved performance from its Americas division. Operating earnings increased to 756 billion Swedish Crowns ($86 billion), from 487 millions crowns during the same quarter in 2024. A poll by SSAB revealed that analysts expected a median of?606.1million crowns. The company produces high-strength, specialized steels for cars, construction equipment and agricultural machinery, and has production facilities both on the Atlantic and in Europe. In the earnings report, CEO Johnny Sjostrom stated that "there have been few...

Mineral Resources

Andy Home: The Zinc Market continues to defy expectations

Zinc did not perform according to script in 2018 and the galvanising material continues to surprise 2026. The London Metal Exchange (LME) is trading at its highest levels in three years this week. A market that was expected to move to an oversupply by 2025, was instead rocked in October by a fierce squeeze. The global mine production is increasing at a rapid pace, but the flow through to the refined metal segment is taking longer than expected. This is because the'surplus' is all stuck in China. LME zinc inventories have increased from the depleted levels of October thanks to...

Mineral Resources

Gold rises on the back of safe-haven bid and weaker dollar

Gold prices rose on Thursday, as geopolitical tensions boosted demand for a "safe haven" asset, the U.S. Dollar weakened and anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts this year aided. As of 11:32 am, spot gold rose 0.8%, to $4,874.94 an ounce. ET (16:32 GMT) after falling by nearly 1% in the earlier session. On Wednesday, the metal reached a new record high of $4,887.82. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery increased by 0.8% to $4.877.20 an ounce. The U.S. Dollar fell?0.4% versus rival currencies, making greenback priced bullion more appealing to overseas buyers. Peter Grant, senior metals analyst at Zaner...

Mineral Resources

Gold prices rise above $4,800/oz amid geopolitical tensions

Gold reached $4,800 per ounce for the very first time Wednesday due to geopolitical tensions including U.S. president Donald Trump's bid for control of Greenland. By 11:30 am, spot gold had risen 1.6% to $4,838.91 an ounce. ET (1630 GMT), having risen as high as $4,887.82 in earlier sessions. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery climbed 1.7%, to $4.844.20 an ounce. Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, said: "There is a fear that people will miss out on this opportunity. I believe given the geopolitical climate in the world right now it's an ideal storm for higher gold...

Mineral Resources

Gold prices rise above $4,800/oz amid geopolitical tensions

Gold reached $4,800 per ounce on Wednesday for the first time as geopolitical tensions, including U.S. president Donald 'Trump's bid to control Greenland, drove demand for safe havens. By 9:30 am, spot gold had risen 2.1% to $4,865 an ounce. ET (1430 GMT), the price of gold had risen to $4,887.82 in earlier sessions. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery climbed almost 2% to $4.856.3 per ounce. Bob Haberkorn, senior market strategist at RJO Futures, said that there is a 'fear' of missing out. Given the geopolitical climate in 'the world' it's an ideal storm for higher prices of gold...

Mineral Resources

Silver reaches all-time high; gold records record of $4,700/oz

As escalating geopolitical conflicts boosted demand for safe havens, gold reached a new record high of $4,700 per ounce on Tuesday. Silver also broke through $95 an ounce for the first. By 11:34 am, spot gold had gained 1.6% and was at $4,741.96 an ounce. After reaching a record-high of $4,750.49 in the morning ET (16:34 GMT), gold prices fell to $4,741.96 per ounce by 11:34 a.m. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery climbed 3.3%, to $4.747.60/oz. Fawad Rasaqzada is a market analyst for FOREX.com and City Index. He said that gold has surged?deeper in uncharted waters as investors hedged...

Mineral Resources

Silver reaches all-time high; gold records record of $4,700/oz

As escalating geopolitical tensions increased demand for safe havens, gold reached a new'record high' on Tuesday. Silver also surpassed $95 an ounce for the first. Spot gold rose 1.5%, to $4.737.18 an ounce at 09:49 am. After reaching a record-high of $4,750.49 in the morning ET (14.49 GMT), gold prices fell to $4,737.18 per ounce by 09:49 a.m. U.S. Gold Futures for February Delivery climbed 3.2%, to $4.742.70/oz. Fawad Rasaqzada is a market analyst for FOREX.com and City Index. He said that gold has surged?deeper than ever before as investors protect themselves against the rising political risks. A softer dollar...

Mineral Resources

Source: Canada could send a small contingent of troops into Greenland

A source familiar with the situation said that Canada was considering sending a small contingent of troops to Greenland in order to take part in NATO exercises. The first to report the news were CBC News and Globe and Mail. Source: Military officials have "presented" plans for the operation to government, and are "awaiting a decision by Prime Minister Mark Carney," said the source. The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue. Carney's office declined to comment. Carney is challenged by the threats of U.S. president Donald Trump to annex Canada. He wants to be on...