U.S. Tariffs on Venezuelan Crude Raise Supply Concerns The U.S. has escalated sanctions pressure by authorizing 25% tariffs on crude imports from Venezuela. This move is expected to disrupt flows to key buyers including China, India, and parts of Europe. Chinese refiners have already paused Venezuelan purchases, awaiting clarity from Beijing on whether to halt
Daily US Dollar Index (DXY)Oil prices are finding support from a weakening U.S. dollar, which fell 0.5% to a fresh 2025 low on Tuesday. A weaker dollar makes crude more attractive to buyers using other currencies, providing short-term upside. However, mounting concerns over a U.S. economic slowdown and ongoing trade tariff uncertainties are capping gains.
Federal Reserve Governor Adriana Kugler noted that hiring is still above the breakeven point, though uncertainty remains a challenge for the economy. Despite this, she emphasized that wages are not a major inflation driver. In response to economic conditions, Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the central bank is not rushing to lower interest rates.
Moreover, Mali, a major gold producer, has halted permits for small-scale mining for foreign nationals. This decision could tighten supply, adding pressure to prices. Meanwhile, copper surged over 5% as Trump hinted at a potential 25% tariff on imports. With reciprocal tariffs and global economic uncertainty, gold remains a key asset for investors hedging against
The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) climbed to 104.20, its highest level in two weeks, pressuring commodities priced in dollars. Meanwhile, the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.35%, further reducing gold’s attractiveness. Silver Holds Steady Despite Market Volatility Unlike gold, silver (XAG/USD) showed resilience, trading at $31.68 with an intra-day high of $31.75. The metal
Market participants will closely monitor upcoming economic data and policy signals. In particular, the release of US home sales data may influence short-term price action. Furthermore, Trump’s executive order directing a probe into copper markets adds further uncertainty, potentially affecting broader commodity prices. Moreover, with persistent inflation concerns and ongoing trade tensions, gold remains highly
The median sales price of new homes rose to $446,300 in January, while the average price reached $510,000. The uptick in prices, despite lower sales volumes, may reflect a shift in buyer preferences toward higher-end properties or regional price differences. It also indicates resilience in home values, though sustained inventory growth could limit future price
At 12:04 GMT, Light Crude Oil Futures are trading $72.30, up $0.20 or +0.28%. US Crude Inventory Build Puts Pressure on Oil Prices Oil prices remained largely unchanged on Thursday after hitting a near one-week high in the previous session. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a 3.34 million barrel increase in U.S. crude inventories
Daily Gold (XAU/USD)Gold’s surge to a record $2,947.08 has reinforced silver’s bullish sentiment. Safe-haven demand is driving both metals, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats rattled markets. The proposed 25% tariffs on auto imports, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals have raised fears of economic disruptions, prompting investors to seek protection in hard assets. Historically, gold
At 17:27 GMT, Natural Gas Futures are trading $3.767, up $0.139 or +3.83%. Cold Weather Forecasts Drive Demand Expectations Natural gas futures have risen consistently this week, with the March contract gaining nearly 32.0 cents over the past four sessions. The primary driver behind this rally has been colder-than-expected weather forecasts. The latest 15-day U.S.