Annual inflation hitting rates last seen four decades ago

• The U.S dollar dipped on Friday, giving back some of the strong gains from the previous day
• The greenback on Thursday notched its biggest one-day percentage gain since Nov. 10
• U.S inflation data seen as unlikely to make the Fed overly aggressive at its next policy meeting
• U.S President hit Russia with a wave of sanctions following that country's invasion of Ukraine

The U.S. dollar dipped on Friday, giving back some of the strong gains from the previous day, as investors gauged the latest round of sanctions on Russia and U.S. inflation data was seen as unlikely to make the Federal Reserve overly aggressive at its next policy meeting. 

The greenback on Thursday notched its biggest one-day percentage gain since Nov. 10 to reach 97.74, its highest since June 30, 2020. However, it gave back some gains after U.S. President Joe Biden hit Russia with a wave of sanctions following that country's invasion of Ukraine, but refrained from imposing sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT international banking system.

U.S. economic data showed consumer spending increased more than expected in January even as price pressures mounted, with annual inflation hitting rates last seen four decades ago, although the personal consumption expenditures price index increased 0.6% in January after rising 0.5% in December.

Economic Calendar

The revisions to income and spending data shows the economy was very resilient to Omicron and to high oil prices. Hopefully, the situation with Russia is short-lived, but even if oil prices stay elevated, the economy should have enough fundamental strength to tolerate high energy prices. 

The inflation numbers weren’t great, but at least the month-on-month inflation numbers aren’t moving higher. That should take some wind out from under the wings of the most hawkish Fed members. The dollar index fell 0.459%, with the euro up 0.59% to $1.1257. The euro fell to $1.105 on Thursday, its weakest against the greenback since June 1, 2020. Even with Friday's pullback, the dollar was still on track for a third straight week of gains. Before Thursday's jump -- which sent the dollar to its highest level since June 30, 2020 -- the greenback had been subdued in recent weeks, as rising tensions in Ukraine fueled expectations the Fed may be less aggressive in tightening policy as it attempts to rein in inflation. Expectations for at least a 50-basis-point interest rate hike at its March meeting have fallen to 25%

Elliot Waves trading idea for Gold, Silver and Gdx

Euro

The single currency sank more than 1% after Western nations announced a harsh set of sanctions to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including blocking some banks from the SWIFT international payments system. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his military command to put nuclear-armed forces on high alert on Sunday. Overall, the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.1274 and a high of 1.1273 before closing the day around 1.1271 in the New York session.

Yen

The Japanese Yen gained as the U.S dollar dipped, giving back some of the strong gains from the previous day, as investors gauged the latest round of sanctions on Russia and U.S. inflation data was seen as unlikely to make the Fed overly aggressive at its next policy meeting. U.S economic data showed consumer spending increased more than expected in January. Overall, the USD/JPY traded with a low of 115.12 and a high of 115.74 before closing the day around 115.52 in the U.S session.

British Pound

The British Pound traded lower as the UK consumer confidence survey, compiled by Gfk recorded its sharpest month-on-month drop in February since the start of the pandemic. The figure has been trending lower since November and dropped from -19 to -26. UK consumers expressed concern over energy and food price rises. Overall, the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.3364 and a high of 1.3471 before closing the day at 1.3411 in the New York session.

Canadian Dollar

The Canadian Dollar strengthened as domestic data showed wholesale trade rising in January and currency traders walked back some of the large moves seen the day before in reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The price of oil, one of Canada's major exports, gave back some recent gains, with U.S crude oil futures falling 1.1% to $91.76 a barrel. Overall, USD/CAD traded with a low of 1.2692 and a high of 1.2818 before closing the day at 1.2702 in the New York session.

Australian Dollar

The Australian Dollar took a knock today as the escalating crisis in Ukraine clouded the outlook for global growth and inflation, overshadowing strength in Australian economic data. Higher commodity prices were supporting the Aussie given Australia was a net energy exporter, though record petrol prices at home will act as a tax on consumers and add to inflation concerns. Overall, AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.7138 and a high of 0.7235 before closing the day at 0.7231 in the New York session.

Russian rouble plunged to a record low after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine

Euro-Yen

EUR/JPY is trading below 14, 50 and 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is giving a bearish tone and MACD is also issuing a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 40 and lies below the neutral zone. In general, the pair has gained 0.73%.

Sterling-Yen

Currently, GBP/JPY is trading below 14, 50 and 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is issuing a bearish tone and MACD is also indicating a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 42 reading and lies below the neutral zone. On the whole, the pair has gained 0.30%.

Aussie-Yen

Currently, the cross is trading above 14, 50 and below 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is giving a bearish tone and MACD is also indicating a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 54 reading and lies above the neutral region. In general, the pair has gained 1.01%.

Euro-Sterling

This cross is currently trading above 14, 50 and below 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is indicating a bullish tone and MACD is also issuing a bullish signal. The Relative Strength Index is above 46 and lies below the neutral region. Overall, the pair has gained 0.44%.

Sterling-Swiss

This cross is trading below 14, 50 and 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is issuing a bearish stance and MACD is also indicating a bearish tone. The Relative Strength Index is above 40 and lies below the neutral region. In general, the pair has gained 0.26%.

February has proved to be the perfect storm for gold - with inflation, falling stock markets, and geopolitical uncertainty

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Elliot Waves trading idea for Gold, Silver and Gdx

Hello traders and investors. I am Radi Valov, a professional trader and today I want to make a quick update to my analysis of gold and silver. There has been a lot of volatility in the commodity market in the last week, of course in the stock and forex markets as well, but in general, the commodities are much more volatile.

I'll start with the weekly silver trend chart. (anyone who wants to see bigger time frames and older trading charts can check out my previous analysis for Gold and Silver in Market Analysis category Trading signals)

Silver-Weekly Chart

It is a very interesting moment for Silver. Most likely the correction, which I consider as a flat for wave 2, is over. Wave C of 2 developed as an ending diagonal and ended with a shortened fifth wave.

I consider the bottom from four weeks ago -21.98 as the last bottom for the end of this correction for wave 2. From there upwards impulse movement develops for the first wave of the new upward cycle. At the moment we are correcting this first wave and I expect the price to find support in the zones around 23.70-23.30. A critical point for the analysis, for now, is the bottom at 21.98. The potential of this commodity is much greater than that of gold, in my opinion, and now is the right time to watch very closely, as we are at a very early stage of the new cycle and the risk/return ratio can be huge here.

Gold-Daily Chart

After my last analysis, Gold made a nice rise and it now seems obvious that the symmetrical triangle I'm looking at for wave 4 is over. According to my counting, the last wave (е) of this triangle ended with the bottom in the zone of 1780 and from there we have completed the impulse motion for wave 1 of a new upward trend.

I expect to see a correction in the coming weeks to find support in the area around 1830-1850. The critical point for bullish analysis (with red on the graph) is the bottom of 1780. A break at this level would mean that we are in the alternative scenario (with blue on the graph) and a much larger and longer downward correction is underway.

Gold companies should also have started a new upward cycle. A critical point for GDX is the bottom in the zone of 29. I expect, as with both metals, to see a correction of the last rise here, which will most likely find support in the zone around 32.

GDX-Weekly Chart

See my previous analysis for Gold and Silver

Elliott waves signal for Gold update

Elliott waves signal for Gold

Elliott waves signal for Silver

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

February has proved to be the perfect storm for gold - with inflation, falling stock markets, and geopolitical uncertainty

U.S stock indexes slid more than 1% yesterday, led by losses in bank stocks, as Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine sparked a widespread selloff in global markets. On the benchmark S&P 500, all the 11 major sectors slipped into the red, with financial stocks falling 2.9%, while tech and consumer discretionary stocks lost more than 1% each. 

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in a mass assault by land, sea, and air, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two. The escalation in conflict rattled financial markets as global shares slumped and oil prices broke above $100 a barrel, while safe havens gold, government bonds and the dollar surged in the flight to safety. 

The United States and its allies promised tough sanctions against Moscow after weeks of fruitless diplomatic efforts and an initial wave of modest sanctions. Most big lenders, including Bank of America Corp, Citigroup Inc., Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. slipped over 4% each.

Economic Calendar

Dow Jones Industrial Average

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.28%. The best performers of the session on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were Salesforce.com Inc., which unchanged 0% or 0 points to trade at 196.84 at the close. Meanwhile, Microsoft Corporation was unchanged 0% or 0 points to end at 287.93, and Intel Corporation was unchanged 0% or 0 points to 45.04 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Merck & Company Inc., which unchanged 0% or 0 points to trade at 76.37 at the close. JPMorgan Chase & Co unchanged 0% or 0 points to end at 152.14 and Procter & Gamble Company was 0% or 0 points to 159.90.

Elliot Waves trading idea for SP500 DowJones and Nasdaq

NASDAQ 100

The NASDAQ index gained 3.34%. The top performers on the NASDAQ Composite were Cyren Ltd which was unchanged 0% to 2.2700, Lantheus Holdings Inc. which was unchanged 0% to settle at 28.85 and Imperial Petroleum Inc. which was unchanged 0% to close at 0.49. The worst performers were HeadHunter Group PLC ADR which was unchanged 0% to 38.99 in late trade, Versus Systems Inc. which was unchanged 0% to settle at 2.155, and Yandex NV which was unchanged 0% to 44.75 at the close.

Oil

Oil prices jumped today by nearly 3% on concerns of global supply disruptions from the impact of trade sanctions on major crude and fuel exporter Russia after it invaded Ukraine. U.S crude touched a high of $95.64 a barrel, and was last up $2.37, or 2.6%, at $95.18. 

The start of the invasion in Ukraine on Thursday caused prices to surge above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014, with Brent touching $105, before paring gains by the close of trade. The massed Russian assault by land, sea, and air was the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Asian buyers, clearly nervous into the weekend, have piled into oil today sending prices higher once again, helped along by reports of explosions in Kyiv. In response to the invasion, U.S. President hit Russia with a wave of sanctions on Thursday, measures that impede Russia's ability to do business in major currencies along with sanctions against banks and state-owned enterprises.

Trade the markets with FX Blue Labs

Precious and Base Metals

Gold rose today, stabilizing after big swings in the previous session when prices jumped as much as 3% before closing lower, as investors reassessed the fallout of the Ukraine crisis and fresh sanctions imposed by the West against Russia. Palladium resumed its rally, with traders cued in for signals on potential supply shortfalls from Russia. Spot gold rose 0.7% to $1,916.10 per ounce, after hitting its highest since September 2020 at $1,973.96 yesterday. 

The contract was set for a fourth straight weekly gain. U.S gold futures, however, shed 0.5% to $1,917.60. In the near term, investors are still digesting, still assessing risks and rewards as a result of the Ukraine invasion and the implications of Western sanctions on Russia. The Russian invasion has been pegged as the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two. 

Elliott waves signal for Gold update

February has proved to be the perfect storm for gold - with inflation, falling stock markets, and geopolitical uncertainty boosting its safe-haven appeal. Exchange-traded funds that invest in gold and other precious metals have seen massive inflows this year. Palladium gained 2.7% to $2,465.85, after scaling a peak since July 2021 at $2,711.18 yesterday, on course for a third weekly rise. With platinum and palladium being a key export for Russia, we simply rushed to those exits, covering shorts. 

Today, platinum and palladium are simply following gold. Russia's Nornickel is a major producer of both metals used in catalytic converters to clean car exhaust fumes. Spot silver rose 0.5% to $24.33 per ounce, platinum was up 0.3% to $1,059.97.

Traditional Agricultures

Wheat futures spiked by their daily trading limit on Thursday to their highest since mid-2012 and corn futures touched eight-month peaks after Russian forces attacked Ukraine, exacerbating worries over global grain supplies. Soyoil futures notched an all-time high on concerns about global vegetable oil supplies amid conflict in the major sunflower oil-producing region. 

Soybean futures eased on profit-taking after setting fresh 9-1/2-year highs overnight. Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air, and sea, confirming the worst fears of the West with the biggest attack by one state on another in Europe since the Second World War.

The game is still in the air, and the markets know it

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Russian ruble plunged to a record low after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine

• The U.S. dollar jumped to its highest level in nearly two years in yesterday’s trading session
• Russian forces invaded Ukraine in an assault by land, sea and air
• U.S markets were in the throes of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

The U.S. dollar jumped to its highest level in nearly two years and the Russian rouble plunged to a record low on Thursday after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, as investors fled risk assets and moved toward safe-haven assets. 

Russian forces invaded Ukraine in an assault by land, sea, and air, in the biggest attack on a European country since World War Two. The dollar index rose 0.869% and was on pace for its biggest daily percentage gain since March 2020, when the U.S, markets were in the throes of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The greenback reached a high of 97.740 against a basket of major currencies, its highest since June 30, 2020. The dollar weakened slightly as U.S President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia, including banks. We have a big geopolitical development that a lot of people haven’t seen before in their lives; it’s a classic risk-off move. 

Economic Calendar

There is a push and pull over which currency is the biggest safe haven at the moment. Against other safe-havens, the dollar rose 0.77% against the Swiss franc while the Japanese yen weakened 0.54% versus the greenback at 115.61 per dollar. The greenback has been subdued recently as tensions in Ukraine have increased and fueled speculation the U.S. Federal Reserve may be less aggressive in tightening policy at its March meeting. 

Expectations for at least a 50-basis-point interest rate hike have dropped to 7.5% from around 34% a day ago. Fed policymakers on Thursday acknowledged the central bank's tightening plans were now jousting with the possibility of war and its impact on oil prices. The Australian and New Zealand dollars were holding their ground today as the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused major mood swings in markets, but also boosted prices for resources Australia is rich in.

Wall Street is gauging the further effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on asset prices

Euro

The single currency was down 0.95% as the U.S dollar jumped to its highest level in nearly two years and the Russian rouble plunged to a record low yesterday after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, as investors fled risk assets and moved toward safe-haven assets. Russian forces invaded Ukraine in an assault by land, sea, and air. Overall, the EUR/USD traded with a low of 1.1105 and a high of 1.1309 before closing the day around 1.1190 in the New York session.

Yen

The Japanese Yen is likely to continue to face headwinds as Japan’s central bank maintains a more dovish stance than peers, even after the currency briefly hit three-week highs on Thursday on safe-haven buying. The Bank of Japan is more dovish than peers as the country faces more modest growth and inflation, while the U.S Fed is expected to aggressively hike rates. Overall, the USD/JPY traded with a low of 114.38 and a high of 115.67 before closing the day around 115.51 in the U.S session.

British Pound

The British Pound fell against the dollar but stood its ground versus the euro as investors rushed into safe-haven assets after Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea. Ukraine’s President said Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin’s aim was to destroy his state, while U.S President and other leaders promised tough new sanctions in response. Overall, the GBP/USD traded with a low of 1.3270 and a high of 1.3547 before closing the day at 1.3375 in the New York session.

Markets seemed to take cheer from news of talks between the U.S. and Russia about Ukraine

Canadian Dollar

The Canadian Dollar weakened to its lowest level since December against its U.S counterpart yesterday as Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a flight to safety in global financial markets. The price of oil, one of Canada's major exports, climbed 7.60% to $99.10 a barrel as the invasion added to concerns about disruptions to the global energy supply. Overall, USD/CAD traded with a low of 1.2725 and a high of 1.2875 before closing the day at 1.2812 in the New York session.

Australian Dollar

The Australian Dollar holding its ground today as the Russian invasion of Ukraine caused major mood swings in markets, but also boosted prices for resources Australia is rich in. The Aussie has been indirectly supported this week by bumper dividend payments from miners which are converted from U.S. dollars to Aussie. Overall, AUD/USD traded with a low of 0.7169 and a high of 0.7228 before closing the day at 0.7171 in the New York session.

Euro-Yen

EUR/JPY is trading below 14, 50 and 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is giving a bearish tone and MACD is also issuing a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 41 and lies below the neutral zone. In general, the pair has lost 0.54%.

The dollar bounced on Thursday after a Russian news report of mortar fire in eastern Ukraine

Sterling-Yen

Currently, GBP/JPY is trading below 14 and above 50, 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is issuing a bearish tone and MACD is also indicating a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 45 reading and lies below the neutral zone. On the whole, the pair has lost 0.80%.

Aussie-Yen

Currently, the cross is trading above 14, 50 and below 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is giving a bearish tone and MACD is also indicating a bearish stance. The Relative Strength Index is above 43 reading and lies below the neutral region. In general, the pair has lost 0.54%.

Euro-Sterling

This cross is currently trading below 14, 50 and below 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is indicating a bullish tone and MACD is also issuing a bullish signal. The Relative Strength Index is above 44 and lies above the neutral region. Overall, the pair has gained 0.25%.

Sterling-Swiss

This cross is trading above 14, 50 and 100 days moving average. Fast stochastic is issuing a bearish stance and MACD is also indicating a bearish tone. The Relative Strength Index is above 46 and lies above the neutral region. In general, the pair has lost 0.42%.

Investors are lost in the fog of war and that’s why we are seeing this volatility

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Elliot Waves trading idea for SP500 DowJones and Nasdaq

Hello traders and investors. I am Radi Valov, a professional trader. I am trading the financial markets since 2006 and I am here to help. I have extensive experience as an individual professional trader and own a company for market analysis and capital management. I prefer medium and long-term trading strategies and use my own trading systems based mainly on Elliott Wave Theory and Behavioral Finance.

It is a fascinating time to be in the financial markets right now. The financial markets are not only Stocks, Forex, CFDs, Cryptocurrencies, and Commodities.  It is a historical moment for all traders and investors who understand and trade based on Elliott Waves' analysis. Right now the financial markets are acting like a behavioral book in finance. Prepare to be once again against the crowd.

I will start my Elliott Waves analysis with the Daily trading chart on SP500.

Despite the start of a small war, missiles, tanks, and so on and so forth. The market is in the right place to end wave 4. Despite the heated forecasts for a stock market crash, head and shoulders formation, economic stagflation, and similar bearish scenarios. I believe that tonight the main bottom is in place. Two months were enough to radically reverse the market sentiment. There are not many bulls on the market at the moment, I no longer see almost any forecasts for 5000+ for S&P500. It is a great moment for traders and investors whose trading strategies are based on the Elliott Waves technical analysis.

The correction for Wave 4 already looks like a completed zigzag (ABC). My expectations were for the end of the correction in the area around 4150, but the market made a slightly deeper move. Confirmation that the correction is complete we will have a break of 4350 for the SP500, 33900 for the Dow Jones, and first and then 4590 SP500 and 35850 for Dow Jones.

The alternative scenario allows the correction to develop as a double zigzag and see another last bottom for the Nasdaq and a double bottom for the SP500. BUT sometimes these last bottoms or peaks are not fully realized at all. (See my analysis of silver from 4 weeks ago)

Whether we see another recent down move or not my expectations in the medium term to see new historic highs for the SP500 and the Dow Jones, Nasdaq will make a deep come back without a new high.

Elliott waves trading signal for Copper

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

Wall Street is gauging the further effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on asset prices

As the S&P 500 hovers near correction territory, Wall Street is gauging the further effect of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on asset prices, with some strategists warning investors to keep their cool and focus on longer-term market trends. 

Worries over geopolitical strife and a more hawkish Fed have combined to take the S&P 500 down nearly 10% from an all-time high hit in early January. The benchmark index was recently off around 0.7% on Tuesday after President Joe Biden announced new sanctions against Russia for what he called the beginning of an invasion of Ukraine. 

Still, some analysts maintained the longer-term impact of the geopolitical strife could be fleeting and urged investors not to overreact to recent market moves. How the worsening confrontation in Eastern Europe could affect the Fed’s actions has been a topic of debate. 

Economic Calendar

While some have worried that rising oil prices, which stand around their highest level since 2014, could push up inflation and force the central bank to become even more aggressive.

Dow Jones Industrial Average

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.42% to hit a new 6-months low. The best performers of the session on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were McDonald’s Corporation, which unchanged 0% or 0 points to trade at 250.60 at the close. Meanwhile, Amgen Inc. unchanged 0% or 0 points to end at 220.77 and The Travelers Companies Inc. was unchanged 0% or 0 points to 170.63 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Home Depot Inc., which unchanged 0% or 0 points to trade at 346.87 at the close. Boeing Co unchanged 0% or 0 points to end at 209.03 and Nike Inc. was 0% or 0 points to 142.95.

Elliot waves trading idea for SP500 and the Dow Jones

NASDAQ 100

The NASDAQ index lost 1.23%. The top performers on the NASDAQ Composite were Imperial Petroleum Inc. which was unchanged 0% to 0.49, China Natural Resources Inc. which was unchanged 0% to settle at 0.6103 and Paltalk Inc. which was unchanged 0% to close at 3.1400. The worst performers were Color Star Technology Co Ltd which was unchanged 0% to 0.5158 in late trade, Dogness International Corp Class A which was unchanged 0% to settle at 4.2700, and Zosano Pharma Corp which was unchanged 0% to 0.2159 at the close.

Oil

Oil prices stabilized today after hitting seven-year highs in the last session as it became clear the first wave of the U.S and European sanctions on Russia for sending troops into eastern Ukraine would not disrupt oil supplies. At the same time, the potential return of more Iranian crude to the market, with Tehran and world powers close to reviving a nuclear agreement, also kept a lid on prices. U.S crude futures were up 0.07%, to $91.97 a barrel, after hitting $96 yesterday. 

The NATO allies are holding back some punitive measures as bargaining chips, which also means the door to diplomacy is still open. The Iran nuclear deal remains a possibility until it is not. The two factors will leave crude range-bound and hold Brent back from $100 for the time being. Prices jumped on worries that western sanctions on Russia for sending troops into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine could hit energy supplies, but the United States made it clear there would be no impact on energy exports.

Precious and Base Metals

Gold hit its highest in nearly nine months yesterday before pulling back as investors waiting for developments in the Ukraine crisis repositioned near the pivotal $1,900 an ounce mark. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,902.71 per ounce, having hit its highest since June 1 at $1,913.89. U.S gold futures settled 0.4% higher at $1,907.40. 

Elliott waves signal for Gold update

Wall Street's main indexes slumped as the prospect of harsh Western sanctions against Russia over its conflict with Ukraine kept investors on edge, while oil prices hit their highest level since 2014. The Biden administration could deprive Russia of a vast swath of low- and high-tech U.S. and foreign-made goods, people familiar with the matter told Reuters, if it further invades Ukraine. It's not surprising to see gold well supported in this environment given its traditional safe-haven play.

However, inflationary pressures have been a key driver of gold's performance over the last several weeks in its sideways to higher trend, and interest rate increases may not overshadow this trend. 

Elliott waves signal for Silver

Gold is considered a hedge against inflation and political risks. But interest rate hikes, especially by the Federal Reserve, tend to dim the appeal of bullion, which pays no interest. Analysts attributed gold's slight pullback to some profit-taking. Meanwhile, spot silver was up 1.1% at $24.19 an ounce after touching its highest in a month at $24.35. Palladium fell 0.8% to $2,368.84, having earlier reached its highest since Jan. 31 at $2,433. Platinum rose 0.1%to $1,075.09. 

Given the increased tensions with (key producer) Russia, it would stand to reason that there are concerns about the supply chain in the platinum group metals.

Elliott waves trading signal for Copper

Traditional Agricultures

Wheat futures surged six percent in the steepest daily jump in 3-1/2 years while corn rallied three percent on worries that an escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine could disrupt grain flows from the key Black Sea export region. Soybeans climbed to a nine-month peak as soaring energy markets lifted soybean oil futures by more than four percent. Continuing concern about a South American crop shortfall due to poor weather added support. This is a supply-led market and the supplies are trapped whether it’s because of Russia-Ukraine or because of the drought.

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All information has been prepared by TraderFactor or partners. The information does not contain a record of TraderFactor or partner's prices or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may read it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.