#crude oil inventory

[chemanalystdata]

C9 Solvent Prices, Price Trend, Pricing, News, Analysis & Forecast

North America:

During the initial quarter of 2024, C9 Solvent prices in the North American market took a downward turn, largely influenced by increased competition from cheaper imports and softened demand from the Paints and Coating industry post-festivities. The US market, in particular, experienced a significant price dip due to heightened overseas imports offering more competitive pricing. Despite ample product supply domestically, including port inventories, subdued demand and increased selling pressures contributed to the overall bearish trajectory. As the Red Sea crises normalized and freight rates declined towards the quarter's end, the bearish trend in the US C9 Solvent market further solidified. Meanwhile, the construction industry showcased positive growth, with notable increases in completed houses and new constructions, offering a contrasting upward trajectory amidst the market's downturn.

Europe:

The European C9 Solvent market, especially in Germany, faced a bearish trend during Q1 2024, primarily driven by increased imports of cheaper alternatives and reduced raw material costs. Subdued demand persisted in the downstream Paints and Coating sector post-festivities, maintaining ample product supply domestically. The market's bearish trajectory was accentuated by sluggish demand, heightened selling pressures, and a notable decline in the construction industry by the quarter's end, reflecting broader economic uncertainties and pessimism among constructors. Housing projects, commercial ventures, and civil engineering activities all experienced contractions, further dampening market sentiment amidst prevailing uncertainties.

Get Real Time Prices of C9 Solvent: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/c9-solvent-1467

APAC:

In the APAC region, the C9 Solvent market remained stable throughout Q1 2024, characterized by unchanged prices and a balanced demand-supply dynamic. Low demand prompted cautious trading practices and optimized inventories, supported by falling global crude oil prices. South Korea experienced the most significant price changes, yet overall stability prevailed throughout the quarter. Seasonal fluctuations were negligible, with no significant deviations observed compared to the same quarter last year. The pricing environment in South Korea, particularly, remained steady, showcasing consistency amid market equilibrium.

MEA:

The MEA region, notably the United Arab Emirates, witnessed notable fluctuations in C9 Solvent pricing during Q1 2024, influenced by factors such as costly imports, crude oil price fluctuations, and global growth concerns. Supply dynamics fluctuated due to disruptions in the Red Sea shipping initially but improved later in the quarter, stimulating trading activities. Demand remained stable, particularly from the paints and coating sector. Overall, market sentiment leaned towards bullish, with prices increasing in February and stabilizing in March. Despite fluctuations, a positive outlook characterized the quarter, with expectations of stability amidst potential feedstock crude oil price increases. In summary, the MEA region, including the United Arab Emirates, experienced varied pricing dynamics for C9 Solvent, ultimately stabilizing with optimistic prospects for Q1 2024.

Get Real Time Prices of C9 Solvent: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/c9-solvent-1467

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[usafphantom2]

I’ll be starting my series of posts on the night offensive against Britain of 1940/41 shortly, so I thought it might be helpful to examine the opposing forces, starting with the Luftwaffe. I’ll look at the British defences next.

The overwhelming majority of German aircraft used during the Blitz were Heinkel 111s and Junkers 88s. Both had a relatively modest bomb load by later standards, to a maximum of 3,500kg and 3,000kg respectively; usual loads were somewhat less. Dornier 17s were also employed, but due to their limited range and bomb capacity, they were rapidly being phased out. The aircraft were initially crudely overpainted with black distemper for night operations, though over time more permanent camouflage was used.

As well as traditional ‘Dead Reckoning’ navigation or the use of visible landmarks, Luftwaffe crews also had various electronic aids. All bombers were fitted with ‘Knickebein’ receivers, which used converging radio beams to identify a target. But the Luftwaffe also established pathfinder squadrons, most notably Kampfgruppe 100, equipped with the more accurate X-Verfahren and Y-Verfahren. These would use incendiary bombs and parachute flares to illuminate targets for the main bomber force. In time, these electronic systems were successfully jammed, and the RAF learned important lessons for their future operations against Germany.

The standard German high explosive general purpose bomb of the period was the SC series, with the SC 50, SC 250 and SC 500 being the most commonly used. The number denotes their weight in kilograms. Only the first two could be loaded internally on the He111 or Ju88, with anything larger using external racks. Then came the SC1000 ‘Hermann’, SC1800 ‘Satan’ and finally the SC2500 ‘Max’. The last of these could only be carried by the Heinkel 111, and just two specially trained crews from KG26 were authorised to drop them.

Incendiary bombs were arguably the most destructive weapon employed by the Luftwaffe, especially in conjunction with high explosives. The standard 1 and 2kg bombs were packed into containers which split open to release them over the target. Though light, their velocity was enough to penetrate into roof spaces, where they could ignite undetected. Packed with thermite, they burned hot enough to melt through steel, but could be extinguished before doing significant damage if found in time. There was also the 250kg or 500kg Flammenbombe or ‘Flambo’, which used an oil incendiary mixture to ignite a much larger area. However, these often failed to explode and were largely discontinued in 1941.

Another important weapon in the Luftwaffe inventory was the 500kg or 1,000kg Luftmine, or parachute mine. These had been designed for use against naval targets, but proved highly effective, albeit inevitably inaccurate, on land. Consisting of 60-70% high explosive, they produced devastating blast damage across a wide area, as they didn’t penetrate the ground. A 25 second clockwork fuse was triggered on impact. In practice this was prone to failure, especially when the parachute caught on an obstacle, and a number of mines didn’t explode.

Pictured:

1) Night camouflaged Heinkel 111 of Kampfgruppe 100, the Luftwaffe’s first pathfinder squadron.

📷 worldwarphotos.info

2) ‘Bombed up’ Junkers 88 with hastily-applied black paint at Beauvais, France.

📷 worldwarphotos.info

3) Police and Army Bomb Disposal officers with a defused 1000kg Luftmine in Glasgow, March 1941.

📷©️IWM H 8281

4) The 1kg incendiary, and its 2kg counterpart, was carried either by means of containers that were mounted on internal bomb racks, and released to open at a predetermined point, or from large pods, holding up to 700 bombs, that remained on the aircraft’s external pylons.

📷©️IWM MUN 3291

@JamieMcTrusty via X

[cavenewstimes]

Last U.S. Crude Inventory Data Of 2024 Lifts Oil Prices By Over 1%

As oil markets turn their attention to the year ahead, crude inventories stateside have perhaps offered the final pointer of 2024 marginally lifting futures prices in a largely flat week of characteristically low trading associated with the festive season. In a scheduled data release on Friday, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said the country’s crudeRead More

[third-new]

Oil rises as U.S. stocks show bigger-than-expected retreat (NYSEARCA:XLE)

SlavkoSereda/iStock via Getty Images Crude oil futures rose on Friday after the US reported a fifth weekly drawdown of US crude inventories and after an Israeli airstrike on Thursday against Houthi rebels in Yemen raised concerns about more potential instability in the Middle East. Source link

[newtras]

Oil rises as U.S. stocks show bigger-than-expected retreat (NYSEARCA:XLE)

SlavkoSereda/iStock via Getty Images Crude oil futures rose on Friday after the US reported a fifth weekly drawdown of US crude inventories and after an Israeli airstrike on Thursday against Houthi rebels in Yemen raised concerns about more potential instability in the Middle East. Source link

[newbizz]

Oil rises as U.S. stocks show bigger-than-expected retreat (NYSEARCA:XLE)

SlavkoSereda/iStock via Getty Images Crude oil futures rose on Friday after the US reported a fifth weekly drawdown of US crude inventories and after an Israeli airstrike on Thursday against Houthi rebels in Yemen raised concerns about more potential instability in the Middle East. Source link

[satrthere]

Oil rises as U.S. stocks show bigger-than-expected retreat (NYSEARCA:XLE)

SlavkoSereda/iStock via Getty Images Crude oil futures rose on Friday after the US reported a fifth weekly drawdown of US crude inventories and after an Israeli airstrike on Thursday against Houthi rebels in Yemen raised concerns about more potential instability in the Middle East. Source link

[leprivatebanker]

U.S. Crude Oil Stockpiles Fall More Than Expected

U.S. crude oil inventories fell by more than expected last week and product stockpiles were mixed as refineries raised their capacity use, according to EIA data.

[financepulse]

$MQG: Macquarie Group predicts a substantial 3.8 million barrel drop in crude inventories, potentially signaling a tightening supply in the oil market.

[accapitalmarket]

Wall Street to tread thin volume after Christmas, USD hits 2-year high

US stocks are expected to edge lower on Thursday as traders return after the festive break, giving back some of a rally seen in a shortened trading session the day before the holiday.

The New York market was shut on Wednesday, Christmas Day. On Tuesday, the blue-chip Dow Jones Industrials Average rose 0.9%, while the broader S&P 500 index gained 1.1% and the tech-laden Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.4%.

Futures trading on Thursday indicated the Dow Jones Industrials Average would open around 0.4% lower, while the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite were both seen down about 0.5%.

SPX500Roll H1

The Magnificent Seven tech issues including Apple, Amazon and Google-owner Alphabet, which provided the main fuel to the advance on Tuesday, were lower in pre-market trading on Thursday.

But chip stocks were seen higher, with Broadcom up pre-market, adding to the gains made on Tuesday after the Biden administration initiated a new trade investigation into Chinese-made legacy chips.

Stock market trading volumes, however, are expected to be thin on Thursday, and for the remaining sessions through to the New Year.

On foreign exchanges, the US dollar held close to the two-year highs hit following slightly softer than expected PCE inflation data on Monday, which had offset concerns after the Federal Reserve last week projected fewer-than-expected interest rate cuts in 2025. Against sterling, the dollar was up 0.18% at 0.7978, and versus the euro it added 0.04% at 0.9614.

XAUUSD H1

Gold prices were higher on Thursday due to the slightly weaker dollar, rising 0.2% to $2,622 an ounce, with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East also contributing to the yellow metal’s gains.

Elsewhere, Bitcoin was weaker, down 3.9% at around $95,500 after two consecutive sessions of gains, as caution returned over the Federal Reserve’s hawkish shift. The crypto benchmark fell below the key $100,000-mark last week.

And oil prices pushed higher supported by new stimulus measures for the Chinese economy and a drop in US crude inventories. UK Brent crude was 0.5% higher at $73.51 a barrel, while US WTI crude also gained 0.6% at $70.49 a barrel.

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[exportimportdata13]

Comprehensive Guide to Export and Import Data for India

India, a major player in global trade, consistently witnesses growth in its import and export activities. The availability of accurate export and import data is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions. Leveraging insights from reliable data sources can significantly enhance trade strategies and market understanding. In this article, we explore various aspects of India's export-import data, discuss the significance of shipment data, and highlight trusted providers, such as ExportImportData.in.

What is Export-Import Data?

Export-import data encompasses detailed records of goods traded between countries, providing insights into the commodities, trade volumes, values, and shipment details. In the context of India, export-import data India offers a granular view of trade activities, helping stakeholders analyze trends and identify lucrative opportunities.

Why is Export-Import Data Important?

Market Analysis: By studying India’s import-export data, businesses can gauge market demand and supply dynamics.

Competitor Analysis: Access to shipment data helps identify competitors' activities, including their sourcing and distribution strategies.

Strategic Planning: Companies can optimize their trade routes, pricing strategies, and product offerings.

Compliance: With insights into Indian customs regulations and HS codes, businesses can ensure seamless international transactions.

Key Features of Export-Import Data

Product-Level Details: Includes HS codes, product descriptions, and unit quantities.

Country-Wise Trade Analysis: Breakdowns of India’s imports and exports by country.

Shipment Information: Data on shipping ports, transport modes, and dates.

Buyer-Seller Details: Information on global buyers and Indian suppliers/exporters.

Major Components of India’s Trade Data

Indian Export Data

Indian exports contribute significantly to the economy, with major categories including:

Textiles and Apparel: A substantial portion of Indian exports.

Agricultural Products: Spices, rice, tea, and other staples.

Technology and IT Products: Software exports and hardware components.

Indian Import Data

Imports are equally vital for India, addressing domestic demand for raw materials and luxury goods. Key import categories include:

Crude Oil and Petroleum: Essential for energy needs.

Electronics and Machinery: Sourced to fuel industrial growth.

Precious Metals: Gold and diamonds for the jewelry sector.

Trusted Sources for India’s Trade Data

For accurate and actionable insights, businesses turn to reliable Import Export Data Provider. One such platform is ExportImportData.in, which offers comprehensive databases, including:

Indian Trade Data: A consolidated view of all export and import transactions.

Shipment Data: Detailed records of goods transported.

Exim Data: A holistic snapshot of Indian trade activities.

Benefits of Using ExportImportData.in

Accurate Information: Verified data from customs and other trusted sources.

Ease of Access: User-friendly tools for searching and filtering data.

Comprehensive Coverage: Coverage of all major Indian ports and trading partners.

Custom Reports: Tailored insights to suit specific business needs.

How to Use Export-Import Data for Business Growth

Identifying Market Opportunities

Businesses can explore India’s import-export data to identify high-demand products and potential export markets. For instance, trends in spice exports could guide agro-industrial ventures.

Understanding Competitor Strategies

Analyzing shipment data provides clues to competitors' supply chain strategies, helping businesses stay ahead in the market.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency

With data-driven insights, companies can streamline their logistics and inventory management, reducing costs and improving profitability.

Challenges in Analyzing Export-Import Data

While trade data offers immense value, businesses often face challenges such as:

Data Overload: Extracting relevant insights from vast datasets.

Dynamic Regulations: Keeping up with changing customs and trade policies.

Data Accuracy: Ensuring data reliability from third-party sources.

Overcoming Challenges with Expert Solutions

Platforms like ExportImportData.in address these challenges by providing:

Real-Time Updates: Ensuring up-to-date information.

Data Visualization Tools: Simplifying complex data analysis.

Dedicated Support: Assisting businesses with tailored solutions.

Key Features of ExportImportData.in

Search and Filter Options: Refine data by product, HS code, country, or port.

Interactive Dashboards: Visualize trade trends and patterns.

Multi-Industry Insights: Data for sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

Custom Alerts: Notifications for new data or regulatory changes.

Applications Across Industries

Manufacturing

Manufacturers leverage trade data to identify raw material sources and optimize supply chains.

Agriculture

Exporters of agricultural products analyze India’s export-import data to understand global demand for crops and commodities.

Technology

Tech companies utilize shipment data to track imports of components and exports of finished products.

The Role of Shipment Data

Shipment data is a subset of export-import data, offering granular insights into:

Transport Modes: Air, sea, or road.

Port Details: Information about shipping and receiving ports.

Timelines: Tracking shipment durations and schedules.

Indian Trade Data: A Closer Look

India’s trade data reflects its growing influence in global commerce. Platforms like ExportImportData.in offer:

Year-on-Year Comparisons: Tracking growth patterns.

Country-Specific Insights: Trade relationships with top partners.

Commodity Trends: Monitoring changes in key product categories.

Conclusion

For businesses aiming to thrive in India’s competitive trade landscape, access to reliable export-import data is indispensable. Platforms like ExportImportData.in simplify the process by offering accurate, real-time, and actionable insights. Whether you’re exploring new markets, analyzing competitors, or optimizing operations, leveraging India’s trade data can unlock endless possibilities for growth and success.

[ericalto]

Oil prices edge higher on hopes for more China stimulus By Reuters

By Yuka Obayashi and Emily Chow TOKYO (Reuters) – Oil prices edged higher on Thursday in light holiday trading, driven by hopes of renewed fiscal stimulus in China, the world’s biggest oil exporter, while an expected drop in inventories provided support. Futures rose 22 cents, or 0.3%, to $73.80 a barrel by 0450 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $70.34 a barrel, up 24 cents, or 0.3%,…

[starseedfxofficial]

Crude Oil, Gold & Copper: What Traders Missed This Week Crude Oil, Gold, and Copper: The Underdogs Fighting Back Markets are like your favorite TV drama—just when you think you know what’s coming, they hit you with a plot twist. This week, commodities are serving up enough suspense to keep even the most seasoned traders on their toes. Let’s dive in, uncover the hidden gems, and, of course, keep it fun. Crude Oil: When Politics Dictates Prices Crude futures are playing the “will-they-won’t-they” game, reacting to geopolitical updates like a cat chasing a laser pointer. Rumors of an Israel-Hamas deal have cooled off, and just when traders thought they could relax, Israeli media hinted that troops might overstay their welcome in Southern Lebanon. Why It Matters: This uncertainty is giving crude prices a mild upward nudge. But here’s the hidden pattern—historically, when geopolitical tensions persist, crude oil often outperforms. Traders with a keen eye on volume spikes and price action can find juicy entry points amid the chaos. Expert Tip: Pair crude oil trading with a volatility-based strategy. Think Bollinger Bands, but with a twist—use wider deviation settings during political instability to catch the bigger moves. Gold: The Safe Haven That Keeps Shining Spot gold continues to hover above the USD 2,600/oz level, like an overachiever refusing to settle for less. Geopolitical concerns are the main culprit here, with investors hedging their bets in case the world gets messier. The Insider’s Take: Gold isn’t just a safe haven; it’s a signal. The sustained price levels suggest smart money is preparing for prolonged uncertainty. For traders, this means focusing on gold miners and ETFs for a more diversified play. Did You Know? Gold prices tend to rally around major geopolitical events but lose steam once the fear subsides. Timing your exit is just as crucial as timing your entry. Copper: The Comeback King Copper futures started the day like a bad Monday morning—sluggish and uninspired. But by mid-session, they found support near USD 8,900/t and decided to make a comeback. Think of it as the underdog story traders love. The Contrarian View: While many see copper as a bellwether for industrial demand, savvy traders know it’s also a leading indicator for broader economic trends. If copper prices rebound consistently, it’s often a precursor to equity market rallies. Pro Insight: Watch the LME inventory data. Low inventory levels can signal a price rally, even if short-term sentiment seems bearish. Finding the Hidden Patterns Commodities trading isn’t just about following the headlines—it’s about reading between the lines. Crude oil is reacting to political drama, gold is signaling long-term uncertainty, and copper is teasing a rebound. By staying ahead of these trends, you’re not just trading—you’re decoding the market’s secret language. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article

[arfacapital]

Global Market Highlights: December 18, 2024

APAC markets

Asian markets traded with mixed sentiment, as a cautious tone followed Wall Street's subdued performance. Key factors include the focus on the FOMC announcement and Chair Powell's press conference later today. - ASX 200: Flat performance, with gains in Real Estate, Tech, and Healthcare offset by losses in Financials. - Nikkei 225: Held in narrow ranges ahead of Thursday's BoJ decision, with Nissan surging 22% on merger talks with Honda, whose shares dropped 3%. - Hang Seng & Shanghai Composite: Outperformed despite limited newsflow, bolstered by optimism ahead of China's PBoC rate decision on Friday.

US pre-market

US stocks experienced risk aversion on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones underperforming compared to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Sectors leading losses included Industrials, Energy, and Financials, while Consumer Staples and Healthcare provided relative support.

Fixed income markets

US Treasuries: Treasury yields saw muted action ahead of the FOMC meeting: - 10-Year Yield: Closed marginally higher, with the benchmark 20-year bond auction seeing weaker demand compared to averages: - Bid-to-Cover Ratio: 2.50x (vs. 2.57x average). - High Yield: 4.686% (vs. 4.671% expected). German Bunds: Bund futures remained subdued, trading below 135.00, awaiting further economic and geopolitical developments.

Commodities

- Oil: Crude oil prices dropped, weighed by broader risk-off sentiment. Inventory data showed a larger-than-expected draw - Private Crude Inventories: -4.7M barrels (vs. -1.6M expected). - Gold: Gold traded flat around $2,650/oz, as markets held steady ahead of the FOMC's decision. - Copper: Copper prices slipped below $9,000/ton, reflecting cautious market sentiment.

Currencies

USD Performance: The US Dollar posted marginal gains, largely unaffected by the retail sales data, as markets awaited the FOMC's interest rate decision and updated projections. Key Movers: - Safe-haven currencies: JPY and CHF strengthened due to the broader risk-off sentiment. - Antipodeans (AUD, CAD, NZD): Declined on weak risk appetite, with the CAD also influenced by cooler Canadian CPI. - EUR: Weakened following mixed German economic data, particularly softer Ifo Business Climate and Expectations indices.

Crypto

Bitcoin saw significant losses overnight, falling below $104,000 despite no major headlines.

Fixed Income Markets

- US 10-Year Treasuries: Traded sideways ahead of the Fed's decision. - German Bunds: Held below 135.00, showing minimal movement in anticipation of economic updates.

Economic Highlights

- Federal Reserve Decision: The Federal Reserve is expected to announce a 0.25% rate cut today, bringing rates to 4.3%, while signaling fewer cuts in 2025 due to persistent inflation above the 2% target. Source: AP. - Mortgage Applications Decline: Mortgage applications dropped 0.7% last week as 30-year fixed rates rose to 6.75%. Refinancing demand decreased by 3%, though purchase applications rose 1%, up 6% YoY, fueled by increased inventory and economic optimism. Source: CNBC. - U.K. Inflation Rises: U.K. inflation increased to 2.6% in November, in line with forecasts, driven by higher energy costs and wage growth. Core inflation reached 3.5%, slightly below estimates. Source: CNBC. - Brazil Tax Reform:Brazil's Congress is advancing on tax and fiscal reform votes this week. - US Congress: Congressional leaders struck a bipartisan agreement to extend the government funding deadline to March 14, 2025, while allocating over $100 billion for emergency disaster aid.

World News & Politics

- Stopgap Government Funding Bill: Congress proposed a temporary funding bill extending through March 14, allocating $100.4 billion for disaster relief and $10 billion for farmers. Source: AP. - Ban on Junk Fees: The FTC banned hidden fees for tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, requiring upfront disclosure of total prices. The policy may face reversal under the incoming administration. Source: CNBC. - Murder Indictment: Luigi Mangione was indicted for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with charges including first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism. Source: CNBC.

Geopolitical Updates

Middle East: - Reports indicate that the IDF is preparing for significant strikes in Yemen, pending Israeli government approval. - Israeli PM Netanyahu is reportedly traveling to Cairo to finalize a Gaza ceasefire agreement, though significant gaps remain between Israel and Hamas.

Corporate Highlights

- Honda and Nissan Merger Discussions: Honda (HMC) and Nissan (TYO:7201) are exploring a merger to strengthen investments in EVs and tackle declining sales in the U.S. and China. Honda's shares dropped 3%, while Nissan surged nearly 24%, its largest single-day gain in 40 years. Foxconn (TPE:2317) is reportedly pursuing a stake in the new venture. Sources: WSJ, CNBC, Bloomberg. - General Mills Slashes Forecast: General Mills (GIS) reduced its annual profit outlook, expecting a 1-3% decline due to increased promotions and reduced prices. Despite the forecast cut, Q2 revenue of $5.24B beat estimates, driven by a 3% increase in volumes. Shares were down 4% premarket. Source: Reuters. - Salesforce Expands AI Focus: Salesforce (CRM) plans to hire 2,000 additional sales staff to focus on its AI products, doubling its earlier commitment. The second generation of its AI Agentforce software will launch in February 2025. Shares rose 1% following the announcement. Source: CNBC. - Meta’s Ad Revenue Growth: Instagram is projected to account for over 50% of Meta's (META) U.S. ad revenue by 2025, driven by Reels and video monetization. A potential TikTok ban could further boost Instagram's growth. Source: Reuters. - Amazon Workers Threaten Strike: Amazon (AMZN) may face strikes from Teamsters union members during the holiday season, citing unsafe working conditions and a demand for union recognition. Source: BBC. - Starbucks Union Strike: Starbucks (SBUX) union members authorized a potential strike, with 98% support, ahead of final negotiations for the year. Starbucks expressed a commitment to productive talks. Source: CNBC. - Federal Probes into SpaceX: SpaceX and Elon Musk are under investigation for failing to report foreign meetings and other violations of security rules. Musk was recently denied high-level security clearance by the Air Force. Source: NY Times. - Databricks Raises $10B: AI Startup Databricks secured $10 billion in funding, valuing the company at $62 billion, surpassing rival Snowflake's market cap. Thrive Capital led the funding round. Source: NY Times. - Grubhub Settles with FTC: Grubhub (AMS:TKWY) agreed to a $25 million settlement over deceptive practices, including hidden fees and unauthorized restaurant listings. Refunds will be issued to affected customers. Source: CNBC.

Recent Earnings Recap

- General Mills (GIS): Revenue: $5.24B (+1.97% YoY, beats by $100M); EPS: $1.40 (+12.00% YoY, beats by $0.18). - HEICO (HEI): Revenue: $1.01B (+8.28% YoY, misses by $16M); EPS: $0.99 (+33.78% YoY, beats by $0.01). - Jabil (JBL): Revenue: $6.99B (-16.61% YoY, beats by $384M); EPS: $2.00 (-23.08% YoY, beats by $0.12). - Birkenstock (BIRK): Revenue: $500.93M (+22.88% YoY, beats by $61.64M); EPS: $0.32 (+128.57% YoY, beats by $0.06). - ABM Industries (ABM): Revenue: $2.18B (+4.01% YoY, beats by $97M); EPS: $0.90 (-10.89% YoY, beats by $0.03).

Upcoming Earnings

- Today: Micron Technology (MU), Lennar (LEN). - Tomorrow: Accenture (ACN), Nike (NKE), Cintas (CTAS), FedEx (FDX). - Friday: Carnival Corporation (CCL).

IPO Activity

Confirmed Today: - YSX Tech. Co., Ltd (YSXT): Revenue: $54.56M, growth: 63.28% YoY. - New Century Logistics (BVI) Limited (NCEW): Revenue: $52.15M, growth: -4.69% YoY. Estimated Upcoming: - Thursday: Health In Tech, Inc. (HIT); Range Capital Acquisition Corp. (RANG); Leishen Energy Holding Co., Ltd. (LSE). - Friday: Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd. (PHH); Fast Track Group (FTRK).

Market Outlook and Future Events

The focus will remain on the Fed’s policy stance and market reaction to Chair Powell's guidance for 2025. Additionally, geopolitical developments and corporate earnings will influence sentiment heading into the end of the week. Read the full article

[oilgasenergymagazine]

Oil Prices Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Category: News

  

Oil prices traded in a narrow range on Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s anticipated interest rate decision. Brent crude edged up just 1 cent to $73.20 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also saw a minimal gain of 1 cent, reaching $70.08. Market analysts noted that traders are closely monitoring signals from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, which concludes later in the day.

Yeap Jun Rong, a market strategist at IG, explained that while additional sanctions against Russia could provide some support to oil prices, the overall sentiment remains cautious. “A subdued price action is expected to persist through the end of the year as oil prices remain constrained within their current range,” Yeap said.

The Fed is widely expected to cut interest rates for the third time since it began its easing cycle earlier this year. However, analysts are already speculating about rate projections for 2025, which may be impacted by political uncertainty in the U.S. Priyanka Sachdeva, a senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, highlighted investor concerns over inflationary pressures if former President Donald Trump makes a political comeback. She added, “Potential interference with the Fed’s autonomy is adding to the cautious tone among oil investors.” Lower interest rates typically reduce borrowing costs, boosting economic growth and increasing demand for oil.

Impact of Fresh Sanctions on Russia

Adding to market uncertainty, the European Union adopted its 15th sanctions package against Russia on Tuesday, targeting its ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions included measures against 33 vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which are used to transport crude oil and petroleum products. Additionally, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on 20 ships allegedly carrying illicit Russian oil.

Despite these measures, analysts remain skeptical about the effectiveness of sanctions in disrupting Russia’s oil trade. While the latest penalties could trigger some short-term price volatility, Russia continues to find ways to maintain its position in global energy markets. This geopolitical backdrop adds another layer of complexity for oil investors as they weigh the impact of tightening sanctions alongside interest rate uncertainties.

U.S. Oil Inventory and Supply Trends

In the United States, fresh data on oil inventories provided additional market signals. According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), U.S. crude oil stocks dropped by 4.69 million barrels in the week ending December 13. In contrast, gasoline inventories increased by 2.45 million barrels, while distillate stocks rose by 744,000 barrels. Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a smaller crude inventory decline of around 1.6 million barrels.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is set to release its official oil storage data later on Wednesday, which will provide further clarity on supply trends. With concerns over both demand recovery and global supply disruptions, oil markets are likely to remain on edge as the year comes to a close.

Overall, a mix of economic policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and fluctuating oil inventories continues to shape investor sentiment, leaving oil prices in a tight range for now.

[songruixue]

financial breakfast

On Friday (December 13, Beijing time), spot gold traded near 2680.41, investors took profits after the gold price hit a five-week high, and closed positions ahead of next week's Federal Reserve meeting, limiting gold's gains, U.S. crude oil traded near $69.93 / barrel, although supported by rising expectations of the Federal Reserve interest rate cut. But it was weighed down by forecasts of ample supply. Gold fell more than 1 percent on Thursday as investors took profits after briefly hitting a five-week high early in the session and liquidated positions ahead of next week's Federal Reserve meeting. Spot gold fell 1.2 percent to $2,684.15 an ounce. U.S. gold futures were down 1.7 percent at $2,709.40. Gold initially climbed to its highest level since Nov. 6. The bulls maintained their recent momentum, though a pullback is likely ahead of the Fed meeting as investors lock in profits. After the meeting, the focus will shift to guidance on the January meeting and future policy direction, which will be crucial in determining the sustainability of further market gains. Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, weighed down by forecasts of a well-supplied oil market but supported by rising expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut. Brent crude futures settled down 0.15 per cent at $73.41 a barrel. U.S. crude futures were down 0.38 percent at $70.02. In its monthly oil market report, the IEA still raised its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2025 to 1.1 million BPD from 990,000 BPD last month, "mainly due to the impact of stimulus measures in Asian countries." Global oil inventories fell by 39.3 million barrels in October, according to the International Energy Agency, due to sluggish refinery activity even as global oil demand rose. Us inflation rose slightly in November, in line with economists' expectations. Investors widely expect the Fed to cut interest rates again, fueling optimism about economic growth and energy demand. In the US, the world's largest oil consumer, gasoline and distillate inventories rose more than expected last week, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Global oil demand grew at a slower pace than expected this month, but remained resilient. In November, China's crude oil imports rose for the first time in seven months from a year earlier, rising more than 14%.