market news summary

Russia lost over $15 billion in oil and gas revenues in the first quarter of 2023 – but this gap in the Kremlin’s budget can be filled in the coming months, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

During a televised government meeting on Tuesday, April 11th, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia’s oil and gas revenues suffered a decline of $15.8 billion in the first quarter, a direct result of Western sanctions that have been tightened in response to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict that took place last year.

The S&P 500 index rose by approximately 1.3%, reclaiming the 4100-point level, as most of the major sectors also rose, led by the consumer index, which soared by 2.2%. Furthermore, the Nasdaq Composite index rose by roughly 2%, marking its most significant daily gains in a month.

Dollar index (USDX)

The US dollar index registered a 0.14% decline, reaching a two-month low of 101.138, against a basket of foreign currencies, in today’s trading session. This drop occurred earlier during the Asian session.

Data released prior to the start of the session revealed a slowdown in producer prices that exceeded expectations, along with new claims for unemployment claims that came in higher than consensus. Both indicators suggest that the Federal Reserve’s tight policy approach is achieving its objectives in reining inflation.

As a result, the likelihood of interest rate stabilization at the upcoming May meeting has increased to over 30%.

Pivot Point: 101.40

Spot Gold (XAUUSD)

On April 14th, Friday, the price of gold saw an increase, which marks the second consecutive week of gains. This was due to the fall in the value of the dollar, as well as economic data that led to speculations that the US Federal Reserve may soon end its cycle of interest rate hikes.

Spot gold trading saw an increase of 0.2%, reaching $2,044.09 per ounce, and it hovered near the highest level in a year that was reached on Thursday.

Meanwhile, US gold futures also rose by 0.2% to $2,059.40.

Pivot Point: 2033

Dow Jones Index (DJ30ft – US30)

The US indices closed strongly higher on Thursday after economic data showed a slowdown in inflation and a decline in the job market, boosting optimism that the Fed may be nearing the end of its interest rate hike cycle.

The Dow Jones index rose 1.1%, or approximately 383 points, achieving its highest close in two months.

All major sectors recorded gains in Thursday’s session, led by the technology index, which jumped by 2.5%.

Markets are awaiting the results of three major banks, Citigroup, JPMorgan, and Wells Fargo on Friday, amid a shift in investor focus on what these banks will say tomorrow regarding future economic growth.

Pivot Point: 34040

US Crude (USOUSD)

Oil prices rose in early Asian trading on Friday, April 14th, after falling 1% in the previous session, as the market assessed supportive supply conditions ahead of the monthly demand outlook from the International Energy Agency.

Brent crude futures rose 17 cents, or 0.2%, to $86.26 per barrel. US West Texas Intermediate futures also rose 20 cents, or 0.2%, to $82.36 per barrel.

The prices were also supported by expectations of supply shortages due to an expected drop in production in Russia.

Pivot Point: 82.65