US Session Open: Understanding interest rate differentials; live charting of futures and commodities

AUD/USD trades with a negative bias for the fifth straight day on Wednesday, just above a one-week low touched the previous day, as a weaker risk tone and China's economic woes undermine the Aussie. However, the RBA's hawkish stance could limit deeper losses. Moreover, bets for more rate cuts by the Fed in 2026 keep a lid on the attempted US Dollar recovery, warranting some caution for bearish traders ahead of US CPI on Thursday.

The USD/JPY pair attracts some sellers near 154.80 during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The Japanese Yen strengthens against the US Dollar amid growing speculation that the Bank of Japan will hike rates to 0.75% on Friday. 

Gold price extends its upside to near seven-week highs above $4,300 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The precious metal gains momentum as the US labor market remains relatively resilient but shows signs of slowing. The mixed US employment report for November reinforces bets of further rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve and weighs on the US Dollar.

West Texas Intermediate, the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $55.75 during the Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The WTI price climbs amid rising volatility around Latin American crude supply. Traders await the release of the Energy Information Administration crude oil stockpiles report later on Wednesday.

Since the start of the week, gold’s price has moved lower, but has yet to erase the gains made last week. In today’s report we intend to focus on the newest round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, whilst noting the release of the US Employment data later on day and end our report with an update in regards to the tensions brewing in Venezuela.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) tumbled below 98.00 on Tuesday, reaching its lowest level since mid-October. The Greenback faced intense selling pressure following a delayed labor report that revealed a significant softening in the US job market, overshadowing weak economic activity data from Europe.