Commodity Markets
Metals, energy, and agriculture prices with latest analysis
Strait of Hormuz Oil Supply Chain Nears Total Freeze
The last oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz before the war are due to arrive by April 20, threatening a physical supply squeeze in Western markets.
US Naval Blockade of Iran Threatens Global Energy Supply Chains
A US naval blockade of Iranian ports following failed ceasefire talks has sparked fresh concerns over global energy supply and rising oil prices. India faces particular exposure due to its reliance on Iranian crude and LPG imports.
Crude Prices Retreat as Washington and Tehran Signal Potential Diplomatic Restart
Crude oil prices dipped as Washington and Tehran signaled a potential return to negotiations, offering a brief reprieve following the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Gold Resource Corp Taps SLR for Back Forty Feasibility Study
Gold Resource Corporation has hired SLR Consulting to complete the feasibility study for the Back Forty project, aiming to clarify the site's economic potential.
Strait of Hormuz Blockade Triggers Market Volatility and Oil Price Surge
Global markets experienced intense volatility on April 13 as the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz drove a sharp rise in oil prices and forced a reversal in equity trends.
Precious Metals Retreat as Failed Iran Talks Fuel Inflation Fears
Gold and silver prices declined after failed U.S.-Iran peace talks stoked inflation concerns, forcing investors to reassess the outlook for precious metals.
Energy Markets Cool as Geopolitical Tensions Ebb in North American Session
WTI crude oil prices pulled back during the North American session on April 13 as markets settled into a period of uneasy calm following a ceasefire.
Natural Gas Prices Teeter on the Edge of a $2.62 Breakdown
Natural gas prices are hovering at a fragile $2.62 support level, with traders bracing for a potential breakdown as bearish momentum intensifies.
WTI Crude Tumbles Below $100 as Iran Nuclear Talks Return to the Table
Oil prices retreated sharply after news surfaced that US-Iran negotiations will resume this Thursday, effectively erasing earlier gains. The market remains trapped in a volatile $96 to $104 range.
Harbor Commodity Strategy ETF Climbs 25% in Q1 Breakout
The Harbor Commodity All-Weather Strategy ETF surged nearly 25% during the first quarter of 2026, fueled by strong performances in energy and grain markets.
U.S. Blocks Strait of Hormuz, Escalating Pressure on Iran Oil Flows
The United States has begun blocking vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Iran, triggering immediate concerns over global energy supply stability and market volatility.
Tax Exemptions Drive US Motorists to Tribal Fuel Stations
Drivers are flocking to Native American reservations to capitalize on fuel tax exemptions, securing cheaper gas prices than those available at standard retail stations.
UN Warns Trade Restrictions on Energy and Fertilizer Threaten Global Food Security
The United Nations is urging nations to avoid restricting fertilizer and energy exports, warning that such measures threaten to destabilize global food prices during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Oil Retreats as Trump Hints at Potential Iran Negotiations
Oil prices retreated from session highs following comments from Donald Trump regarding potential U.S.-Iran negotiations. Traders are now assessing the impact of a possible deal on global supply outlooks.
US Uranium Enrichment: The High-Tech Pivot to Secure Energy Independence
Domestic energy firms are aggressively scaling uranium enrichment capacity using laser technology to reduce reliance on foreign fuel sources.
Middle East Conflict Forces Oil Price Revaluation
Oil markets are abandoning previous forecasts of a US$60 barrel floor as the conflict in Iran forces a lasting revaluation of energy prices.
Exxon Mobil Targets $24 Billion Nigeria Deepwater Expansion
Exxon Mobil is considering a $24 billion investment to revive stalled deepwater oil projects offshore Nigeria. The move reflects a major push to expand the company's long-term production capacity.
WTI Crude Spikes as Iran Tensions Reignite Supply Chain Fears
WTI crude oil prices are climbing as the threat of a US blockade on Iranian exports triggers concerns over global supply chain stability. Traders are bracing for increased volatility as geopolitical tensions dominate the energy outlook.
Peru Government Confirms Tia Maria Copper Project Status Remains Under Review
The Peruvian Mining Ministry has officially confirmed that the Tia Maria copper project is under active review rather than canceled, as regulators verify compliance with project requirements.
Standard Chartered Warns of Heightened Supply Shock Risks in Oil Markets
Standard Chartered warns that tightening oil market balances have increased the risk of supply-driven price shocks, potentially complicating the global inflation outlook.
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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