Oil and gold range-bound, bitcoin vulnerable

Economic outlook maintains pressure on oil prices

Oil prices are trading broadly flat at the start of the week, in keeping with the general feeling in the markets in the absence of any notable catalysts. It has recovered quite well over the last week having fallen back towards the 2023 lows last Monday. It remains in the lower trading range between $70-$80 in Brent and showing little sign of breaking in either direction at this stage.

The economic outlook has been a major factor behind its slide this year and some improvements on that side could turn things around for it. The problem is that no major central bank has yet ended its tightening cycle and a number of more rate hikes could still be on the cards. Even those that had previously declared a pause have restarted.

A choppy period but what’s going to change for gold?

Gold has been very choppy over the last month and recent data and central bank decisions haven’t enabled it to break out of its tight range in either direction. It’s been trapped largely between $1,940 and $1,980 and showing few signs of changing that in the near future.

Things can obviously change at any point and there’s plenty of Fed speak this week as well as central bank interest rate decisions. But we’ve just heard the latest thoughts and projections from the Fed so I’m not sure what we’ll learn of particular value. It’s all about the data at this stage.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar: www.marketpulse.com/economic-events/

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