ADVFN US – Market Content Editor

Base metals and gold were higher as investors awaited U.S. inflation data for hints on the timing of potential interest-rate cuts and China’s trade data, which could offer more clarity on demand prospects. “Metals prices are likely to struggle to make up ground unless this week’s U.S. inflation data comes in significantly lower and/or Chinese…

Oil futures edged higher following reports of a larger-than-expected crude inventories drawdown in the U.S. “U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 5.2 million barrels, which is larger than the market was expecting,” ING said, citing API data. “However, large builds were once again seen on the products side, with gasoline and distillate stocks increasing by…

Investors could demand more compensation for the risk of owning long-term bonds given rising public debt and a more uncertain inflation outlook, BlackRock said. Markets are currently grappling with the prospect that neutral rates–the interest rate that neither stimulates nor restricts economic activity–could be settling higher following the Covid-19 pandemic. “We think neutral rates are…

The euro-dollar exchange rate looks comfortable at current levels, sticking to a narrow range around 1.0930 and showing few signs of moving too far away from this mark so far this week, DZ Bank Research said. Until Thursday U.S. inflation data, EUR/USD “should hardly be able to be dissuaded from its sideways range” as focus…

Stock index futures were mixed on Wednesday, as markets saw cautious trading ahead of the December inflation report on Thursday. Inflation and its impact on bond markets and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy trajectory remains the primary focus for investors – at least until Friday, when some of the big banks will kick off the…

U.S. futures for the S&P 500 were flat and futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%. Changes in futures do not necessarily predict movements after the opening bell. In Europe, the Stoxx Europe 600 declined 0.2% in morning trading. Greggs PLC rose 9.4% and Alcon climbed 5.3%. On the other hand, Idorsia slipped…

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Strikes Big Deal for Juniper Networks The transaction marries two legacy tech providers seeking a leg up in AI. Boeing CEO Says Company Needs to Acknowledge ‘Our Mistake’ David Calhoun tells staff that Boeing needs to address fallout from the latest quality problem. Frasers Property Owners Could Sell Company as Part of…