ADVFN US – Market Content Editor

Oil prices were little changed on Friday, although both major crude benchmarks remained on course for their sharpest weekly declines since early April amid growing expectations that diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran could ease supply concerns. By 0810 GMT, Brent crude futures for July delivery were down 34 cents, or 0.3%, at…

Gold prices moved modestly higher during Asian trading on Friday as investors evaluated reports suggesting progress toward an extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while lingering concerns over inflation continued to influence sentiment across commodity markets. Spot gold gained 0.4% to $4,514.27 per ounce by 02:40 ET (06:40 GMT), while U.S.…

New figures released Thursday by the Labor Department showed that applications for unemployment benefits in the United States increased slightly more than economists had anticipated during the week ended May 23. According to the report, initial jobless claims rose to 215,000, up 5,000 from the revised total of 210,000 recorded in the previous week. Economists…

Fresh data released Thursday by the Commerce Department showed U.S. consumer inflation increased slightly less than expected in April, offering some signs of easing price pressures. According to the report, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.4% in April following a 0.7% increase in March. Economists had projected a monthly gain of 0.5%.…

New data released Thursday by the Commerce Department showed that orders for U.S.-manufactured durable goods increased far more than economists had anticipated in April, signaling stronger momentum in the manufacturing sector. According to the report, durable goods orders climbed 7.9% in April following an upwardly revised 1.3% increase in March. Economists had expected orders to…