Oil prices ease, gold pares gains

Oil lower but fundamentals remain bullish

Oil prices are lower at the start of the week as we continue to see some profit-taking alongside another hit to risk appetite. It’s been a remarkable rally and there’s nothing to suggest that prices are peaking. It’s just come a long way in a short period of time but the fundamentals continue to look bullish.

Despite it already trading at very elevated levels, I wouldn’t be surprised if any corrective moves are relatively shallow. There’s still a big issue on the supply side, with OPEC+ unable to even come close to monthly addition targets and it’s happening at a time of strong demand.

Not to mention the fact that tensions are seriously heightened between Russia and the West and an invasion of Ukraine is becoming an increasing possibility. When energy markets are already so tight, the additional risk premium should continue to support prices.

Gold pares earlier gains

Gold got off to a decent start this week as it continued to do well in risk-averse trade, but it has since given those back to trade marginally lower on the day. Whether its performance recently is a safe haven move, inflation hedge, or a combination of the two, it’s certainly been supportive for the yellow metal. And now it’s found strong support around USD 1,830 where it had been seeing plenty of resistance in recent weeks before breaking higher.

That could be a bullish confirmation signal and there still appears to be a healthy amount of momentum, even as the dollar is performing well. The next big test for gold is USD 1,850, where it struggled on Thursday before profit-taking kicked in.

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