EU weighs cap on price paid for Russian oil as way to hit Kremlin revenues – FT

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

As the European Union (EU) member states remain reluctant to announce an immediate embargo on Russian oil imports, they are contemplating imposing a ceiling on what they would pay for Russian oil as a way to hit Kremlin revenues, the Financial Times (FT) reported, citing one person familiar with the conversations.

Additional takeaways

“[The talks are about] finding the best way to deny [Putin] the revenue that he needs.”

“Another alternative would involve imposing an EU tariff on Russian oil, analysts say, forcing Russia to cut prices to stay competitive.”

Italy is among the member states to have spoken in favor of seeking to cap on the price of Russian energy. But Germany remains sceptical, noting, “trying to set a price would be difficult, and also in breach of contract.”

Market reaction

EUR/USD is consolidating the previous downside above 1.0700, awaiting a fresh catalyst for the next push lower.

At the time of writing, the pair is trading at 1.0727, adding 0.16% on the day.

Author

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

AUD/USD consolidates near 0.7000 as USD stays weak

AUD/USD holds steady above 0.7000 during Thursday’s Asian session, consolidating the previous day’s recovery gains from a near three-week low as the Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections and Iran diplomacy hopes continue to weigh on the US Dollar. Bulls, however, seem hesitant as focus shifts to Friday’s crucial US NFP report.

USD/JPY drifts lower to 158.25 on hawkish BoJ Minutes, weak USD

USD/JPY trades with a negative bias for the second straight day on Thursday as hawkish BoJ Minutes, showing members agreed to keep raising rates, and intervention risks support the Japanese Yen. Meanwhile, US midterm election results and hopes for Iran diplomacy keep the US Dollar depressed as focus shifts to Friday’s US NFP report.

Gold hits one-week top near $4,080 on sliding US bond yields and weak USD

Gold builds on the previous day’s blowout rally, climbing to $4,080 during the Asian session on Thursday as falling US bond yields keep the US Dollar depressed near a one-month low, touched in reaction to Democrats’ victories in the US midterm elections. However, December Fed hike bets might cap the non-yielding bullion ahead of Friday’s US NFP report.

Circle reserve income falls 8% as ARC presale lifts Q3 revenue

Circle (CRCL) reported increased revenue in its Q3 earnings update on Wednesday as the $182 million ARC token presale offset the decline in reserve income. The stablecoin issuer stated that total revenue and reserve income reached $865 million in Q3, up 17% from a year earlier. Net income from continuing operations increased 5% to $226 million, while adjusted EBITDA climbed 85% to $317 million.

US midterms 2026: Investor Q&A on the Democratic sweep

1. Gridlock replaces the stimulus narrative. A Democratic Congress would constrain Trump's ability to pursue additional fiscal expansion and legislative tax measures. But it cannot simply reverse the president's entire economic agenda. Executive powers, existing legislation and presidential vetoes remain important. 2. AI faces a higher hurdle, not an extinction event.

US Dollar breaks below 101.50 as Democrats sweep Congress

The US Dollar (USD) comes under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday, with the US Dollar Index (DXY) falling around 0.5% to trade near 101.35 after sliding below the 101.50 level. The Greenback retreats to its lowest level in four weeks as investors reassess the political and economic outlook following the Democratic Party's sweeping victory in the United States (US) midterm elections.