Russian Energy Minister meets with US Treasury Sec Mnuchin

Joshua Gibson FXStreet

Russian Economic Minister Alexander Novak has met with the US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and have discussed the ongoing sanctions against Russia by the US.

Trump has been seeking lower oil prices, and Russia's involvement in the recent OPEC push for production hikes could be seen as a means of appeasing the US stance.

Although with the US pushing for the rest of the world to join along in sanctioning and outright excluding Iranian oil, concerns about Iranian market access could continue to push oil prices higher.

Author

Joshua Gibson

FXStreet

Joshua joins the FXStreet team as an Economics and Finance double major from Vancouver Island University with twelve years' experience as an independent trader focusing on technical analysis.

AUD/USD sits at three-week highs above 0.7000 on hawkish RBA-speak

AUD/USD holds a positive bias for the fourth straight day, trading above 0.7000 in the Asian session on Wednesday and at three-week highs. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's hawkish remarks and inflation concerns underpin the pair. However, the upside appears capped as the US Dollar attracts some buyers amid looming US-Iran uncertainty.

USD/JPY remains confined in a familiar range below 158.50

USD/JPY sees some dip-buying in the Asian session on Wednesday, though it remains confined within a multi-week range near 158.50 as the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike keeps Japanese Yen bulls on the defensive. Meanwhile, hawkish Fed expectations, bolstered by inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices, underpin the US Dollar. However, looming intervention fears could limit JPY losses and cap the currency pair.

Gold struggles near weekly low near $4,100 amid USD bounce

Gold remains depressed for the fourth straight day, flirting with the weekly low during Wednesday’s Asian session, with bears awaiting a sustained break below $4,100 before placing fresh bets. Energy-driven inflation fears keep Fed hike bets firmly on the table, reviving US Dollar demand and undermining the non-yielding bullion. However, an unconfirmed report of US-Iran diplomacy could cap the safe-haven buck, which could offer some support to the precious metal.

Ethereum bounces off $2,400 for a sixth day despite ETF outflows

Ethereum (ETH) bounced again near the $2,400 level on Tuesday, the sixth straight day, as its on-chain cost basis and key moving averages have stood as key support levels. The sub-$2,400 level has proven to be a strong support for the top altcoin over the past week amid macro pressures. Buyers have repeatedly stepped in to defend prices whenever it falls below the level.

NFLX, META and TSLA deliver earnings this week. The market's mood rides on three reports

Netflix, Meta Platforms and Tesla all report earnings this week, and the market’s mood rides on three reports that could easily reset the tone for the entire market heading into the holiday season. Investors are heading into this stretch with a mix of anticipation and unease because each company represents a different pillar of market sentiment. All three have much to prove.

The US Dollar fell. Gold didn't rally. That tells you everything

Gold (XAU/USD) is struggling to capitalize on a weaker US Dollar (USD), after repeatedly failing to establish itself above the $4,200 level. The precious metal remains confined to a relatively narrow trading range despite a combination of developments that would normally support higher prices.