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☆ Evergrande stock crashes again as fears of collapse grow
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong CNN —Shares of Evergrande Group crashed again on Wednesday as fears grew of a potential liquidation of the company, the poster child of China’s property crisis. Evergrande’s woes deepened this week, after it warned that its offshore debt restructuring plan may be in trouble because of a regulatory probe into its main subsidiary in mainland China. That was thanks to a rise in revenue because of a “short boom” in China’s property market earlier this year, the company said then. Evergrande has been trying to implement a government-supervised restructuring of its debts, which stood at $328 billion at the end of June. Evergrande was forced to cancel meetings with creditors scheduled for this week, in part because recent sales have been weaker than it expected.

Persons: Evergrande, ”, Jun Rong Yeap, Frederic Neumann, ” — Marc Stewart Organizations: Hong Kong CNN —, Evergrande Group, Hong, Hong Kong, IG Group, HSBC, CNN Locations: Hong Kong, China, Evergrande, United States, Asia, Beijing

☆ Gold stalls as Fed caution keeps investors at bay
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bars of gold are seen at the Krastsvetmet company, one of the world's largest producers of precious metals in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 2023. Gold prices were subdued on Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision, where the U.S. central bank is expected to stay put on interest rates, but prospects loom for further hikes later this year. Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,929.86 per ounce by 0517 GMT, holding below its highest level since Sept. 5 reached on Tuesday. The Fed's rate-setting policy committee will release a new policy statement and interest rate decision at 1800 GMT, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell scheduled to hold a press conference at 1830 GMT. A more hawkish Fed on the back of stronger-than-expected August U.S. CPI and PPI data released last week should see downside risk to gold prices, NAB Commodities Research said in a note.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Jun Rong, Janet Yellen, Wang Tao Organizations: Treasury, Fed, IG, CPI, PPI, NAB Commodities Research Locations: Moscow, Russia, ., U.S

TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower in cautious trading Tuesday ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. “Market sentiment remained in its usual wait-and-see ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee meeting this week,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market analyst at IG. Political Cartoons View All 1167 ImagesStocks have been see-sawing since early August on uncertainty about whether the Fed will finally end its hikes to interest rates. Attention will mainly focus on forecasts Fed officials will publish about where they expect interest rates, the economy and the job market to head in upcoming years. But just as much attention will be on what Fed officials say about next year, when investors expect the Fed to begin cutting interest rates.

Persons: Australia's, Seng, ”, Yeap Jun Rong, it’s, Doug Ramsey, It’s, Ramsey, Clorox, Ford, That’s, Brent Organizations: TOKYO, Federal, Nikkei, IG, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Traders, CME Group, Fed, Ford, General Motors, United Auto Workers, Exxon Mobil, Marathon Petroleum, New York Mercantile Exchange, U.S Locations: Hong, Shanghai, Japan's

☆ Gold rises after China data boosts yuan against dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bars of gold are seen at the Krastsvetmet company, one of the world's largest producers of precious metals in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 2023. Gold prices gained on Friday as the dollar eased against the yuan after promising China economic data boosted recovery hopes in the world's top bullion consumer, although the possibility of further U.S. interest rate hikes kept investors on edge. Spot gold was up 0.3% at $1,915.09 per ounce by 0320 GMT. The yuan hit two-week highs against the dollar after data showed China factory output and retail sales in August beat forecasts in boost to recovery prospects. "The outlook for rates to be kept high for longer has been keeping non-yielding gold prices under pressure," said Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG.

Persons: Bullion, Jun Rong Organizations: Federal Reserve, IG, European Central Bank Locations: Moscow, Russia, China, U.S

U.S. gold futures gained 0.3% to $1,938.90. The yuan hit two-week highs against the U.S. dollar after data showed China factory output and retail sales in August beat forecasts, making greenback-priced bullion more attractive for Chinese buyers. "The outlook for rates to be kept high for longer has been keeping non-yielding gold prices under pressure," said Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG. We, therefore, do not view monetary policy as supportive of gold until well into 2024," HSBC said in a note. "Institutional investors have yet to commit to gold, as net long positions on the CME and ETF holdings indicate."

Persons: Yuan, Bullion, Jun Rong, Swati Verma, Sherry Jacob, Phillips Organizations: U.S, Reuters Graphics, IG, HSBC, CME, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Gold slides to 1-week low on elevated US dollar, yields
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold and silver bars of various sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metals dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices extended losses to hit their lowest level in a week on Wednesday as U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar strengthened on expectations that interest rates are likely to remain high. The U.S. dollar hovered near six-month highs hit on Tuesday, while 10-year bond yields were at over one-week highs as markets weighed cues on interest rates. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller said the latest round of economic data was giving the U.S. central bank space to see if it needs to raise interest rates again. Higher U.S. interest rates and Treasury bond yields raise the opportunity cost of holding gold, which does not earn any interest.

Persons: Christopher Waller, Jun Rong Organizations: Aurum, Treasury, U.S, Federal, CPI, Higher, Trust Locations: .

☆ Country Garden stocks surge after bondholders agree to extend debt payment
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Laura He | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The deal was significant, as it was the first debt extension the firm has secured since its liquidity crisis became public last month. According to the agreement with creditors, which was reported by multiple state-owned media outlets on Saturday, Country Garden will now be able to stretch its payment of the outstanding principal of $540 million into 2026. This particular bond had the largest outstanding balance that the company needed to pay out among its onshore debt in the coming year, they added. Country Garden, which was China’s largest residential developer by sales last year, is battling a cash crunch. It has about 31 billion yuan ($4.3 billion) in bonds set to mature through the end of 2024, according to Moody’s.

Persons: hasn’t, ’, Yeap Jun Rong Organizations: Hong Kong CNN — Investors, CNN, China Overseas, Southern Media Group, Huatai Securities, IG Locations: China, Hong Kong

☆ Gold holds ground as markets gauge U.S. rate outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Gold prices firmed on Monday despite U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's hawkish stance on interest rates as markets sought direction from economic data this week for confirmation on the rate trajectory. Spot gold was up 0.1% at $1,916.19 per ounce by 0354 GMT, U.S. gold futures gained 0.2% to $1,943.90. "However, much still awaits on a sustained recovery in gold prices for now, given that concerns of re-accelerating inflation on U.S. economic resilience are translating into mounting bets of a November rate hike." A series of economic data this week, with the U.S. non-farm payroll report on Friday will likely to provide a sharper focus on the economy's strength.

Persons: Jerome Powell's, Powell, Jun Rong, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank Loretta Mester Organizations: Aurum, U.S, Federal, IG, Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank, U.S . Locations: Jackson Hole , Wyoming

☆ Oil set for 2nd weekly fall on firm dollar as supply worries ebb
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Brent crude rose 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $83.66 a barrel by 0434 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 31 cents, also 0.4%, at $79.36 a barrel. Crude prices are set to fall between 1.5%-2.5% for the week, a second consecutive week of decline. A strong dollar makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, denting demand. Further weighing on market sentiment, U.S. officials are drafting a proposal that would ease sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, allowing more companies and countries to import its crude oil. Analysts estimated that the top oil exporter will likely roll over a voluntary oil cut of 1 million barrels per day for a third consecutive month into October, amid uncertainty about supplies and as the kingdom targets drawing down global inventories further.

Persons: Chen Aizhu, Jerome Powell, Brent, Jun Rong, Powell's, Laura Sanicola, Muyu Xu, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: China National Petroleum Corporation, Dalian Petrochemical Corp, REUTERS, Companies United, Federal, U.S, West Texas, IG, Haitong Futures, Analysts, Thomson Locations: China, Dalian, Liaoning province, Companies United States, America, Turkey, Kurdistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Oil prices ticked up in Asian trade on Wednesday, as markets weighed weak demand indicators from top importer China and the prospect of further U.S. rate hikes against potential supply tightness. "Concerns over higher interest rates and sluggish demand in China are expected to outweigh tightening supply from OPEC+ in the short term." China, the world's second-largest economy, is considered crucial to shoring up oil demand over the rest of the year. That was a slightly smaller draw than a drop of 2.9 million barrels analysts expected in a Reuters poll. "Following the massive draw of 6.2 million barrels a week earlier, overall supplies conditions still lean on the tighter end," said Jun Rong Yeap, a market strategist at IG in Singapore.

Persons: Lucy Nicholson, Brent, Jackson, Hiroyuki Kikukawa, Rong Yeap, Yuka Obayashi, Andrew Hayley, Sonali Paul, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, China, West Texas, Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Japan, U.S . Federal, NS, Nissan Securities, Organization of, Petroleum, American Petroleum Institute, IG, Energy Information Administration, Thomson Locations: Bakersfield , California, Rights BEIJING, Jackson Hole , Wyoming, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, OPEC, United States, Singapore, U.S, Tokyo, Beijing

☆ Gold wavers near recent lows as traders bet on more U.S. rate hikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A worker handles an Argor-Heraeus SA one kilogram gold bar at Solar Capital Gold Zrt. Spot gold held its ground at $1,903.70 per ounce by 0317 GMT, while U.S. gold futures were flat at $1,935.40. We have the U.S. retail sales data yesterday pushing back against recession concerns and potentially keeping safe-haven flows at bay," Jun Rong added. U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in July, underscoring economy's resilience despite Fed's aggressive interest rate hikes to tame inflation. Later in the day, investors will scan minutes from Fed's July policy meeting to gauge its upcoming rate strategy.

Persons: Jun Rong, Neel Kashkari Organizations: Heraeus SA, Solar, Treasury, Federal Reserve, U.S ., IG, Minneapolis Locations: Budapest, Hungary, U.S

☆ Oil dips as demand concerns mount; eyes on US inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Muyu Xu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. crude inventories (USOILC=ECI) rose by 5.9 million barrels in the last week to 445.6 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 0.6 million-barrel rise, U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed on Wednesday. U.S. crude oil exports fell by 2.9 million barrels per day last week, the steepest fall on record, to 2.36 million barrels per day (bpd), according to the data. Concerns over LNG supply drove European gas prices to a nearly 2-month high on Wednesday and buoyed the demand outlook for diesel as alternative fuel. However, oil prices remained supported by supply tightness worries as tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea region could threaten shipment of Russian oil. Top exporter Saudi Arabia's plans to extend its voluntary production cut of 1 million barrels per day for another month to include September.

Persons: Johan Sverdrup, Carina Johansen, NTB, Brent, Phil Flynn, Priyanka Sachdeva, Phillip Nova, Jun Rong, Muyu Xu, Laura Sanicola, Muralikumar Organizations: West Texas, U.S . Energy, Price Futures, Index, CPI, Woodside Energy Group, IG, Saudi, Thomson Locations: North, China, U.S, ., United States, Chevron, Russia, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Washington

☆ Gold off 3-week lows as investors brace for U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices dipped on Monday as the U.S. dollar climbed ahead of U.S. inflation data this week. Still, bullion was off three-week lows after slowing U.S. job growth knocked bond yields from their recent highs. Markets also took stock of labor department data showing solid wage gains and a decline in the unemployment rate that suggested continued tightness in labor market conditions. Data on U.S. consumer prices, due on Thursday, will be in focus to assess whether more rate hikes are needed to tame inflation. Non-yielding gold is often sought as a safe investment against inflation but tends to lose its sheen when rates rise.

Persons: Yeap Jun Rong, Edward Meir Organizations: U.S, Treasury, IG, Fed, U.S . Locations: Moscow, U.S

☆ Gold prices brace for biggest weekly decline in five
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

At Agosi AG in Pforzheim, freshly cast gold granules are on display that have a fine gold content of 99.99 percent. Gold prices held near two-week lows on Friday after strong U.S. economic data spurred the dollar and bond yields in a high interest rate environment that dragged the non-interest-bearing metal towards its biggest weekly decline in five. Bullion has declined 0.4% so far in the week, heading for its biggest weekly fall since June 23. "Any confirmation of an adjustment at the upcoming meeting will bring about upside risks to global bond yields and weigh on the non-yielding yellow metal further." Higher U.S. interest rates and Treasury bond yields raise the opportunity cost of holding gold.

Persons: Bullion, Yeap Jun Rong Organizations: Agosi AG, Bank of Japan, IG, U.S, Fed, Higher Locations: Pforzheim, Baden, Württemberg, U.S

☆ Gold listless as traders avoid big bets ahead of Fed decision
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold struggled for momentum on Wednesday as traders refrained from making big bets ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's policy decision later in the day. Spot gold held steady at $1,963.99 per ounce by 0546 GMT, while U.S. gold futures were up 0.1% to $1,965.20. Gold is highly sensitive to rising interest rates as they increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. Along with policy guidance from the European Central Bank, traders also await second-quarter U.S. GDP data due on Thursday. As per the International Monetary Fund, the bank should start preparing for future monetary tightening.

Persons: Gold, Jun Rong, Yeap Organizations: U.S, IG, Treasury, European Central Bank, PCE, Bank of Japan's, Monetary Fund Locations: Siberian, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, U.S . Federal, U.S, Asia, Japan

☆ Oil steady on lower U.S. crude stocks, cautious demand outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SINGAPORE, July 20 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Thursday as a lower-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories and a potentially weaker demand outlook kept investors cautious. September WTI crude was higher by 6 cents, or 0.1%, to $75.35. The outlook for demand in China, the world's biggest crude buyer, was also unclear amid its slowing economy. Crude prices may struggle to find a clear direction amid a mixed global demand outlook in the next few weeks, Citi analysts said in a note. Demand is "a mixed picture with stronger gasoline and jet fuel demand, but weaker petchems and diesel," the analysts said.

Persons: Brent, Jun Rong, Jeslyn Lerh, Laura Sanicola, Sonali Paul, Miral Fahmy, Kim Coghill Organizations: U.S . West Texas, IG, U.S ., Citi, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, U.S, China, Saudi, Singapore, Washington

☆ Gold retreats on dollar uptick, traders bet on Fed pause
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

On display at Agosi AG in Pforzheim is a gold bar that weighs 12.5 kilograms (400 ounces), has a fine gold content of 99.99 percent and lies on gold granules. Gold prices eased on Wednesday from a 1-1/2-month high touched in the previous session, dragged by a slightly stronger dollar, even as investors bet that recent U.S. economic readings make the case for a pause in the Federal Reserve's rate-hike stance. Spot gold fell 0.1% to $1,976.05 per ounce by 0350 GMT, after hitting its highest since May 24 at $1,984.19 on Tuesday. The dollar index edged higher from a more than one-year low hit on Tuesday, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. "Gold prices may have to reclaim the key psychological level of $2,000 to potentially provide more conviction for buyers," said Yeap.

Persons: Jun Rong, Wang Tao Organizations: Agosi AG, Reuters, Palladium Locations: Pforzheim, ., U.S, China

Summary U.S. dollar falls to 15-month low against basket of currenciesU.S. oil output to decline in August - EIA outlookUpcoming - U.S. oil inventory data from API and EIANEW YORK, July 18 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed more than 1% on Tuesday as a weaker U.S. dollar and expected decline in U.S. output outweighed softer-than-expected Chinese economic data. Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs and can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. CRUDE DEMAND STILL A CONCERNComments that global economic growth activity is slowing helped keep crude price gains in check. In the U.S., shale oil production will likely decline in August for the first time since December, projections from the EIA show. Global supplies are expected to see a boost from the resumption of output at two of three Libyan fields that were shuttered last week.

Persons: Brent, Kristalina Georgieva, Jun Rong Yeap, Natalie Grover, Stephanie Kelly, Andrew Hayley, Jason Neely, David Holmes, Jan Harvey Organizations: U.S, West Texas, U.S ., . Federal, American Petroleum Institute, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Monetary Fund, IG, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Singapore, London, New York, Beijing

☆ Oil steadies as investors eye US crude supplies
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary Both benchmarks dip more than 1.5% on MondayInvestors eye US crude, product inventories dataChina's frail growth raises urgency for policy supportLONDON, July 18 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as investors weighed a possible tightening of U.S. crude supplies against weaker-than-expected Chinese economic growth. Both benchmark contracts had fallen more than 1.5% on Monday following lacklustre economic data from China, the world’s largest oil importer, as well as the partial restart of some Libyan oilfields. Brent crude was up 26 cents at $78.76 a barrel by 1151 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 28 cents to $74.43 a barrel in relatively muted trading, with the contract set to expire on Thursday. Market participants were awaiting industry data later on Tuesday that is expected to show U.S. crude oil stockpiles and product inventories fell last week. Still, global supplies are expected to see a boost from the resumption of output at two of three Libyan fields that were shuttered last week.

Persons: Brent, Rong Yeap, John Evans, Evans, Natalie Grover, Stephanie Kelly, Andrew Hayley, Jason Neely, David Holmes Organizations: Investors, U.S, West Texas, Energy, Administration, IG, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, London, New York, Beijing

☆ Oil steadies as investors digest China gloom, eye US crude supplies
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Natalie Grover | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Summary Both benchmarks dip more than 1.5% on MondayInvestors eye US crude, product inventories dataChina's frail growth raises urgency for policy supportLONDON, July 18 (Reuters) - Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as investors weighed a possible tightening of U.S. crude supplies against weaker-than-expected Chinese economic growth. Brent crude was down 1 cent at $78.49 a barrel by 0753 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude edged up 1 cent to $74.16 a barrel. Both contracts fell more than 1.5% on Monday, following lacklustre Chinese data and the partial restart of some Libyan oilfields. Market participants were awaiting industry data later on Tuesday that is expected to show U.S. crude oil stockpiles and product inventories fell last week. Still, global supplies are expected to see a boost from the resumption of output at two of three Libyan fields that were shuttered last week.

Persons: Brent, Rong Yeap, John Evans, Natalie Grover, Stephanie Kelly, Andrew Hayley, Lincoln, Jason Neely Organizations: Investors, U.S, West Texas, IG, Energy, Administration, Saudi, Thomson Locations: China, Singapore, U.S, London, New York, Beijing

☆ Oil prices rise on cooling US inflation, China trade data
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, July 13 (Reuters) - Oil prices climbed on Thursday after U.S. inflation and economic data sparked hopes that the Federal Reserve may have fewer interest rate hikes in store and Chinese trade figures showed monthly oil imports were the second-highest on record in June. Brent crude futures gained 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $80.32 per barrel by 0630 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 13 cents, or 0.2%, at $75.88. U.S. data on Wednesday showed consumer prices rose modestly in June, registering the smallest annual increase in more than two years. Markets expect one more interest rate rise, but oil traders hope that may be it because higher rates can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. Crude oil imports for January-June were up 11.7% at 282.1 million metric tons, while refined oil products exports for January-June were up 44.7% at 31.31 million metric tons, customs data showed.

Persons: Jun Rong, Yeap, Phil Flynn, Jeslyn Lerh, Laura Sanicola, Jamie Freed, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Federal, Brent, U.S, West Texas, IG, Administration, Customs, U.S . Energy, Price Futures, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, U.S, Singapore, Washington

☆ Gold rises on softer dollar, yields ahead of U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices rose on Wednesday after the dollar and bond yields retreated as investors awaited U.S. inflation data that could offer more cues on the Federal Reserve's rate-hike policy path. Spot gold rose 0.4% to $1,939.43 per ounce by 0518 GMT, its highest since June 20. U.S. gold futures rose 0.4% to $1,944.90. Economists polled by Reuters expect June core inflation rate to have dropped to 5% from 5.3%, still significantly above the Fed's 2% target. In the wider base metals market, prices rose, supported by a weaker dollar, although a gloomy demand outlook loomed over the market.

Persons: Jun Rong, Barot Organizations: Pro Aurum, Treasury, CPI, IG, Reuters, Metals Focus, greenback

SummaryCompanies Dollar down 0.3%, at lowest since May 11Inflation data expected at 1230 GMTJuly 12 (Reuters) - Gold prices rose on Wednesday after the dollar and bond yields retreated as investors awaited U.S. inflation data that could offer more cues on the Federal Reserve's rate-hike policy path. Making gold cheaper for holders of other currencies, the dollar index (.DXY) fell 0.3% to its lowest level since May 11. "There has been some renewed confidence in gold prices lately, given the broad expectations for the upcoming U.S. CPI to reflect further moderation in pricing pressures," said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG. Economists polled by Reuters expect June core inflation rate to have dropped to 5% from 5.3%, still significantly above the Fed's 2% target. In the wider base metals market, prices rose, supported by a weaker dollar, although a gloomy demand outlook loomed over the market.

Persons: Jun Rong, Barot, Seher, Sherry Jacob, Phillips, Sohini Organizations: Treasury, CPI, IG, Reuters, Metals, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru

☆ Oil dips as China demand fears offset tighter supply outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Jeslyn Lerh | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SINGAPORE, July 6 (Reuters) - Oil prices slipped in Asian trade on Thursday as fears of a sluggish demand recovery in the world's top crude importer China offset the prospect of tighter supply, with top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia cutting output. Brent crude futures dipped 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $76.44 a barrel at 0650 GMT, after settling higher 0.5% the previous day. "Near-term, a move above the key $80.00 level may be needed to provide some conviction for the bulls," Yeap added. Weighing on the demand outlook, China's services activity expanded at the slowest pace in five months in June, a private-sector survey showed on Wednesday, as weakening demand weighed on post-pandemic recovery momentum. Analysts had expected a drop in crude inventories of about 1 million barrels in a Reuters poll.

Persons: Jun Rong, Yeap, Tatsufumi Okoshi, Okoshi, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Yuka Obayashi, Sonali Paul Organizations: Brent, . West Texas, IG, Nomura Securities, Saudi, American Petroleum Institute, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Saudi, OPEC, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ Gold flat as investors await U.S. data for rate cues
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold bars and gold coins of different sizes lie in a safe on a table at the precious metal dealer Pro Aurum. Gold was flat on Thursday as investors awaited a raft of U.S. economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory, after minutes of its June meeting reaffirmed expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer. Spot gold held its ground at $1,917.46 per ounce by 0459 GMT, while U.S. gold futures fell 0.2% to $1,924.10. Therefore, a series of labor market data will be on watch, but much will still revolve around a continued moderation in wage pressures, he added. Rising U.S. interest rates increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion.

Persons: Gold, Jun Rong, Wang Tao, Janet Yellen's Organizations: Aurum, IG, Traders, Investors, U.S . Labor, Labor, Survey, Treasury Locations: U.S, Janet Yellen's Beijing

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