Category: Gold and Commodities

Central Banks Bought the Most Gold Since 1967 Last Year, WGC Says

LONDON—Central banks added a whopping 1,136 tonnes of gold worth some $70 billion to their stockpiles in 2022, by far the most of any year since 1967, the World Gold Council (WGC) said on Tuesday. The data underline a shift in attitudes to gold since the 1990s and 2000s, when central banks, particularly those in…


Oil Falls on Rate Hike Worries, Russian Export Flows

LONDON—Oil prices fell on Tuesday as the prospect of further interest rate increases and ample Russian crude flows outweighed demand recovery expectations from China. March Brent crude futures fell by $1.01, or 1.19 percent, to $83.89 per barrel by 0920 GMT. The March contract expires on Tuesday and the more heavily traded April contract fell…


Global Shares Fall in Muted Trading Ahead of Fed Meeting

TOKYO—Global shares declined in muted trading on Tuesday as investors awaited decisions on interest rates and updates on corporate earnings reports from around the world. The Federal Reserve’s next decision on interest rates, expected Wednesday, will provide insight into whether the U.S. central bank will further ease its aggressive stance on fighting inflation. France’s CAC…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold and Other Commodities (Jan. 30)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for March delivery fell $1.78 to $77.90 a barrel Monday. Brent crude for March delivery fell $1.76 to $84.90 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for February delivery fell 9 cents to $2.50 a gallon. February heating oil fell 16 cents $3.11 a gallon. March natural gas fell 17 cents to $2.68 per…


Real Estate Versus Gold Investment: Which Is Better?

When considering retirement investments, most people stick to the stock market and invest in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Gold and real estate provide alternative options for retirement investing. Both gold and property offer instant diversification from the stock market. As with traditional assets, you can invest in paper alternatives to physical gold and real…


Oil Steadies as Rate Hikes Loom, Russian Flows Stay Strong

LONDON—Oil steadied on Monday as looming interest rate hikes by major central banks and signs of strong Russian exports balanced rising Middle East tension over a drone attack in Iran and hopes of higher Chinese demand. Investors expect the Federal Reserve to raise rates by 25 basis points on Wednesday, followed the day after by…


Shares Shaky as Rate-Hike Week Looms

SYDNEY/LONDON—Shares slipped on Monday at the start of an agenda-setting week for markets in which likely interest rate hikes in Europe and the United States, as well as U.S. jobs and wage data, will give markets a fresh update on the battle against inflation. Investors expect the Federal Reserve will raise rates by 25 basis…


Closing Prices for Crude Oil, Gold and Other Commodities (Jan. 27)

Benchmark U.S. crude oil for March delivery fell $1.33 to $79.68 a barrel Friday. Brent crude for March delivery fell 81 cents to $86.66 a barrel. Wholesale gasoline for February delivery fell 2 cents to $2.59 a gallon. February heating oil fell 13 cents $3.27 a gallon. February natural gas rose 17 cents to $3.11…


Oil Prices Firm on Upbeat US Economic Data

LONDON—Oil prices rose for a second session on Friday, buoyed by stronger-than-expected U.S. economic growth, strong middle distillate refining margins, and hopes of a rapid recovery in Chinese demand. Brent futures gained $1.15, or 1.3 percent, to $88.62 a barrel by 0930 GMT. U.S. crude also rose by 1.3 percent, gaining $1.01 to $82.02. Both…


Global Shares Edge Higher, Tracking Wall Street Rally

TOKYO—Global shares advanced Friday, tracking a rally on Wall Street following reports suggesting the economy and corporate profits may be doing better than feared. France’s CAC 40 gained 0.2 percent to 7,107.44. Germany’s DAX was unchanged at 15,134.04, while Britain’s FTSE 100 rose nearly 0.2 percent to 7,773.10. The future for the Dow Jones Industrial…