Oil
Crude prices dropped after the China National Food and Strategic Reserves Admin (SRB) stated they are working on the release of crude reserves. WTI crude has dropped almost nine dollars since the recent highs as energy traders appear to have mostly priced in the impact of a coordinated SPR release between the US and China.
The oil market deficit will still remain despite the tapping of reserves and the next big move for prices will most likely depend on the weather. Natural gas prices may be the key short-term driver as Russia plays hardball with Europe. Any natural gas shortages will lead to additional crude demand as the scramble for alternative energy sources intensifies.
Gold
Gold prices need a fresh catalyst after a wave of monetary policy decisions showed a diverging view of how central banks are battling inflation. Gold is stuck in wait-and-see Fed mode and that could remain the case till the end of the year. Rising concerns of growing restrictive measures in Europe could lead to short-term growth concerns that have yet to boost bullion.
Gold may consolidate between the USD 1850 and USD 1880 level until Wall Street gets a better handle on where risk appetite is going next.
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