March 18, 2026 2:11 pm
Key Moments LME copper inventories increased by 18,775 tonnes to 330,375 tonnes, the highest level since September 2019. Weaker Chinese demand and slower US-bound shipments due to tariffs have coincided with the inventory buildup. Speculative net long positions in copper declined by 284 lots to 32,788 lots, the least bullish stance since October 2023. Inventory […]
Read moreMarch 18, 2026 1:25 pm
Key Moments Gold (XAU/USD) falls more than 1%, trading near $4,926 and marking its weakest level since February 18. Expectations for rapid Federal Reserve rate cuts fade as oil-linked inflation risks grow and Middle East tensions intensify. Technical picture turns bearish as XAU/USD drops below $5,000 and the 50-day SMA, while remaining above the 100-day […]
Read moreMarch 18, 2026 10:06 am
Key Moments Brent crude stays above $100 per barrel, while daily trading ranges narrow, pointing to reduced price volatility. Spot prices have been supported by conflict-driven supply concerns and Iranian strikes, but eased after news of an Iraq–Turkey export agreement that avoids the Strait of Hormuz. Six-month Brent futures rose 3.26% to $86.12 per barrel […]
Read moreMarch 18, 2026 9:24 am
Key Moments Gold has been confined to a tight trading band as the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran extends into a third week. A stronger US Dollar and rising real yields are counterbalancing safe-haven flows linked to Middle East tensions. ING strategists remain positive on gold over the medium term, but highlight downside risks from a […]
Read moreMarch 18, 2026 8:07 am
Key Moments XAG/USD trades around $79.90 in early European dealings on Wednesday, supported by safe-haven demand. Technical signals point to a mildly bearish near-term bias, with RSI below 50 and price back inside the Bollinger envelope. Key technical levels: support at $79.00 and $73.50, with resistance at $83.00 and $88.00 ahead of the $90.00 zone. […]
Read moreMarch 18, 2026 7:08 am
Key Moments WTI trades below $93.00, falling more than 2.5% and hovering near Monday’s weekly low. US crude inventories rose by 6.56 million barrels in the week ending March 13, which adds pressure on prices. Meanwhile, the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran keeps geopolitical risks elevated after the closure of the Strait […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 2:11 pm
Key Moments Spot gold rose 0.6% to $5,035.62/oz and gold futures gained 0.8% to $5,039.94/oz in Asian trading. Prices stayed within the recent $5,000-$5,200/oz band despite heightened geopolitical risk from the Iran conflict. Traders focused on a heavy week of central bank meetings, including the Federal Reserve, with higher-for-longer rate risks looming over bullion. Gold […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 1:23 pm
Key Moments XAG/USD trades near $80.50 in a tight range as markets wait for the Fed policy decision on Wednesday. Markets expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged at 3.50%-3.75%. Meanwhile, tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran support Silver’s safe-haven demand. Fed Outlook Keeps Silver Cautious Silver (XAG/USD) trades cautiously near $80.50 during Tuesday’s […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 1:09 pm
Key Moments Chinese aluminum production has increased nearly 3% year-on-year and is running above the government’s annualized cap. Aluminum prices have risen 9% since the onset of the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Commerzbank warns that Chinese smelters may need to reduce production later in the year if Beijing does […]
Read moreMarch 17, 2026 9:49 am
Key Moments Gas prices jumped about 20% after large-scale attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. The national average for regular gasoline is slightly above $3.70 per gallon. E15, a blend with up to 15% ethanol, remains restricted in most states from June 1 to Sept. 15 unless federal waivers are issued. Farm and ethanol groups […]
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