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Oil Prices Edge Higher, But Likely to End the Week Lower

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:41:02 -0500

Spread betting and contracts for differences on oil prices

Oil prices are edging higher, but it's probably not enough to end the week higher. Indeed, oil prices have dropped quite a bit this week, falling to below $97 a barrel.

Increased stockpiles have had something to do with it, as well as the fact that Iran has backed off a bit -- at least for now -- on threats to embargo oil exports. The result has been a general pull back for oil.

Today, though, oil prices are moving a bit higher. On the day, they are up as good news about the US economy comes in. Hopes that a better than expected jobs report signals a recovering economy are helping oil prices, since an economic recovery is likely to lead to increased demand for oil. Gold prices, though, are falling on the strength of the US dollar.

Oil Prices Pull Back Below $100 on Risk Aversion, Iran

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:27:39 -0500

Spread betting and contracts for differences on oil prices

Oil prices are pulling back, falling below $100 barrel as concerns about what's next for Greece take the focus in world markets. Indeed, spread bets and CFDs on commodities should consider that risk aversion has the US dollar rising, and commodities sinking lower.

Also contributing to the drop by oil prices is the fact that Iran has backed off a bit on its insistence that it will block oil exports. While Europe has sanctioned crude oil imports, Iran has postponed a vote banning exports to the region. As a result, oil prices are taking a breather.

Right now, though, oil prices are somewhat secondary. All eyes are on Greece, and what is happening at the EU summit in Brussels right now. That is the main focus, and one of the reasons that risk has fled, leaving the US dollar stronger and equities weaker.

Gold Prices Surge on Fed Announcement

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:32:34 -0500

Spread bets and CFDs on gold

Gold prices are surging today, heading higher as many see quantitative easing in the future for the US economy. The Federal Reserve, headed by Chairman Ben Bernanke, announced that it would keep rates low until 2014. Additionally, there is speculation that more easing could be coming.

As a result of this expected inflation, gold prices are on the rise. Gold prices have hit $1,728 an ounce, and there is talk of $1,800 an ounce, especially with the expectation that more stimulus is on the way.

The US dollar is weighed down against the euro in spot forex trading, and the commodities and equities are higher today. Spread betting and contracts for differences on commodities should also consider that oil prices are higher, topping $100 a barrel again.

CFDs & Spread Bets | GFT Global Markets UK

Oil Prices Edge Higher, But Likely to End the Week Lower

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Oil Prices Pull Back Below $100 on Risk Aversion, Iran

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Gold Prices Surge on Fed Announcement

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