Commodity Markets
Metals, energy, and agriculture prices with latest analysis
UBI Report: Crude Oil to Stay Above $80 in 2026 Amid Growth, Inflation Risks
A UBI report forecasts crude oil prices will remain elevated at $80-85 per barrel in 2026, posing risks to global economic growth and inflation.
BNY Analysts Point to Supply Shocks as Primary Driver of Global Oil Market Divergence
BNY analysts report that persistent supply shocks are causing significant price divergence across global oil markets, creating a fragmented landscape for energy investors.
Central Banks Boost Gold Reserves in February, But Russia Sells Off
Global central banks added 19 tonnes of gold to reserves in February, led by Poland and China, while Russia sold a large portion.
Jindal Steel Adopts Syngas in Furnaces to Tackle Natural Gas, LPG Shortages
Jindal Steel has begun using syngas as an alternative fuel in its furnaces to mitigate shortages of natural gas and LPG.
Middle East Conflict Escalates: US-Israeli Airstrikes Hit Tehran as Energy Markets Spike
US-Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran, striking Sharif University, as oil prices spike and bond markets reel from the severe Middle East escalation.
Saudi Aramco Hits Record Crude Premiums Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
Saudi Aramco has implemented record-high crude oil premiums for Asian buyers as regional instability in the Strait of Hormuz disrupts global energy supply chains.
Soaring Gold Prices Reshape Engagement Ring Shopping Trends
Rising gold costs are driving couples to choose lower-karat gold, repurpose family heirlooms, and seek financing for engagement rings.
Qatar LNG Tankers Prepare First Hormuz Exit Since Iran Conflict Began
Qatari LNG tankers are heading toward the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the Iran conflict began, potentially restarting exports.
Gold Dips Present Buying Opportunity, Says Jitendra Gohil; Top 4 Sectors to Watch
Expert Jitendra Gohil recommends buying gold on dips and highlights four key sectors for investment amid geopolitical uncertainty and India's market underperformance.
Hedge Funds Turn Bullish on Wheat for First Time in Four Years Amid Supply Concerns
Hedge funds have turned net bullish on wheat futures for the first time in nearly four years, driven by supply concerns from U.S. drought and global fertilizer shortages.
Fuel Prices Steady on April 6 Despite $111 Crude Oil Surge Amid US-Iran Conflict
India's fuel prices held steady on April 6 even as crude oil topped $111 a barrel due to the prolonged US-Iran conflict and a closed Strait of Hormuz.
Markets Jittery as Oil Spike, War Fears Collide With Key Inflation Report
Middle East tensions and rising oil prices are fueling inflation fears, setting the stage for a volatile reaction to the key U.S. CPI report and earnings season.
Brent Crude Rises as Trump Issues Iran Ultimatum Over Hormuz
Brent crude gained as Trump threatened Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, heightening OPEC+ supply security worries.
AirAsia X to Raise Ticket Prices, Cut Flights Amid Middle East Oil Volatility
AirAsia X will raise fares and cut flights to counter soaring jet fuel costs from Middle East conflicts.
OPEC+ Announces May Oil Output Hike Led by Russia, Saudi Arabia
OPEC+ will raise oil output by 206,000 bpd in May, led by Russia and Saudi Arabia, while flagging risks to supply chains and energy stability.
Court Accidentally Unseals Key Evidence in Injured Miner's Case Against BHP
A court error has accidentally revealed internal reports that could prove a miner's claim against BHP was valid, contradicting the company's long-held defense.
GDX Technicals Flash Warning Signs Amid Weak Price Action
Weak technical patterns in GDX suggest another potential sell-off is on the horizon for the gold miners ETF.
GDX Defies Macro Headwinds With Strong Annual Returns Despite Recent Pullback
GDX has outperformed gold and the S&P 500 over the past year despite recent volatility and a 20% pullback from February peaks, with analysts maintaining a Buy rating on valuation grounds.
Indian Stock Markets Poised for Weak Open Amid RBI Policy, Crude Oil, and FPI Outflows
Indian markets face a weak opening due to the RBI policy decision, rising crude oil prices, and sustained foreign fund outflows.
Devon Energy Poised to Gain From Rising Oil Prices Amid Middle East Tensions
Devon Energy is positioned for growth as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran drive oil prices higher.
What affects gold prices?
Gold prices are primarily influenced by the relationship between the United States dollar and global interest rates. When the dollar weakens, gold becomes cheaper for foreign buyers, which often drives up demand. Conversely, when interest rates rise, gold becomes less attractive because it does not pay dividends or interest, unlike bonds or savings accounts. Inflation acts as a major driver for gold prices. Investors frequently purchase gold as a hedge against the loss of purchasing power during periods of high inflation. Central bank activity also plays a significant role. When central banks increase their gold reserves to diversify their holdings, the increased buying pressure supports higher market prices. Geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty create safe haven demand. During times of war, political crises, or financial market volatility, investors move capital into gold to preserve wealth. Supply constraints, such as mining production costs and output levels, also impact the long-term price floor. Trading gold involves significant financial risk, as market prices fluctuate rapidly based on macroeconomic reports and investor sentiment. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and traders should manage their exposure carefully.
What is crude oil trading?
Crude oil trading involves the buying and selling of oil contracts to profit from price fluctuations. Traders typically use futures contracts, which represent a commitment to buy or sell a specific quantity of oil at a set price on a future date. The most liquid benchmarks are West Texas Intermediate, which is the US standard, and Brent Crude, which serves as the global benchmark. Market participants trade these contracts on exchanges like the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Each standard futures contract typically represents 1,000 barrels of oil. Traders analyze supply and demand factors, such as production levels from OPEC+, geopolitical tensions, and global economic growth data, to predict price direction. Because oil is a finite commodity, its price is highly sensitive to shifts in global energy consumption. Trading crude oil involves significant risk. Prices can be volatile due to sudden changes in production quotas or global events. Leverage allows traders to control large positions with a relatively small amount of capital, which can magnify both potential gains and losses. Beginners should understand that market volatility can lead to rapid capital depletion. Proper risk management, such as using stop-loss orders, is essential for anyone participating in energy markets.
What is natural gas trading?
Natural gas trading involves the buying and selling of natural gas contracts to profit from price fluctuations or to hedge against energy costs. Market participants trade these contracts on exchanges like the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) or the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). The most common instrument is the Henry Hub natural gas futures contract, which represents 10,000 million British thermal units (MMBtu) of the commodity. Prices are driven by supply and demand factors. Key variables include weather patterns, as extreme temperatures increase demand for heating or cooling, and storage levels reported weekly by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Production levels, infrastructure capacity, and global liquefied natural gas (LNG) export demand also influence market volatility. Traders use technical analysis to study historical price charts or fundamental analysis to assess macroeconomic data and inventory reports. Trading natural gas involves significant risk due to high price volatility and the use of leverage. Leverage allows traders to control large contract values with a smaller amount of capital, which can amplify both potential gains and losses. Beginners should understand that market conditions change rapidly, and the potential for financial loss is substantial. Always use risk management tools like stop-loss orders to protect capital.
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