Gold futures test 50-day moving average amid Iran tensions. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:14:07 -0500
June Gold futures attempted a technical breakout, testing the 50-day moving average for the fourth time in six sessions and reaching an intraday high of 4,826. The upward movement coincides with stabilized U.S. Treasury yields, which have temporarily removed headwinds for the precious metal. Underlying support is being driven by renewed inflation concerns highlighted in the March FOMC minutes, largely attributed to supply-side shocks stemming from the Iran conflict. Additionally, safe-haven demand remains robust as the Strait of Hormuz stays only partially reopened; current maritime traffic is forced to navigate specific routes controlled by the Iranian military due to sea mines. This lingering logistical bottleneck and broader geopolitical uncertainty keep traders cautious ahead of scheduled weekend talks between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Markets pause as inflation data looms. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:19:02 -0500
Bob Iaccino breaks down the recent pause in U.S. equities following a strong market rally. He analyzes the latest PCE inflation data, jobless claims, and their impact on Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar. Looking ahead, Iaccino highlights the upcoming CPI report, potential crude oil volatility due to geopolitical tensions, and key global economic releases expected to round out the week.
Gold futures surge past $4,888 on conditional ceasefire news. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:40:21 -0500
Phillip Streible analyzes the recent 3.1% surge in Gold futures, which briefly topped $4,888 following the announcement of a conditional ceasefire with Iran. He notes that gold rose alongside equities as lower oil prices impact inflation expectations and real yields. Streible outlines key technical levels, including $4,930 and $5,000 on the upside, and $4,740 on the downside. The discussion also covers shifting Fed rate cut expectations, highlighting a 21% probability of a 25 bps cut at the September meeting, a drastic change from prior expectations of unchanged rates. Traders will monitor the upcoming FOMC minutes and Friday's CPI report. Additionally, Copper and Silver futures tracked higher, driven by structural demand from AI data centers and electrification needs.
Crude oil falls on U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Markets look to Fed minutes. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:06:06 -0500
Bob Iaccino of Path Trading Partners breaks down the massive market shifts following a two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement. WTI crude futures plummeted over 16% ahead of the deadline, sending equities and metals surging while U.S. Treasury yields dropped. Iaccino also previews the upcoming FOMC minutes, highlighting what to watch regarding rate holds and balance sheet runoff. Additionally, he covers the crucial February PCE data release, explaining why this backward-looking metric serves as a vital inflation baseline before recent geopolitical shocks. Finally, get a preview of upcoming earnings from major companies and key economic data including jobless claims and Fed speaker schedules.
Copper futures fall as Strait closure strands 40,000 tons. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:28:31 -0500
May Copper futures fell for the second session in the last three, rotating lower after a 9.17% rally off the 200-day moving average. The market faces unique supply-side pressures as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz strands an estimated 40,000 tons of copper per month from Middle Eastern smelters. Meanwhile, Chinese copper inventories have drawn down by over 30% since mid-March, falling to roughly 300,000 tons. This suggests fabricators are actively pulling metal from exchange warehouses to avoid elevated open-market prices. Compounding the fundamental pressures, treatment charges remain thin and rising power costs are squeezing margins, weakening global demand from refiners and pushing futures prices lower.
Oil spikes as geopolitical tensions rise. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:06:21 -0500
Bob Iaccino discusses the morning's mixed market signals, noting that while stock index futures are down slightly, they remain positive against last week's close. He highlights divergent comments from Fed officials and mixed U.S. durable goods data. Iaccino points out a significant spike in WTI crude oil driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in Iran and impending deadlines at the Strait of Hormuz. He advises traders to monitor upcoming FOMC minutes for hints on future rate moves and labor market concerns. Finally, he outlines the unofficial start of earnings season, featuring reports from Delta Airlines and RPM International, alongside key U.S. and international economic data releases.
Gold futures trade in a tight inside day as markets await new data. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:32:51 -0500
In today's metals markets, Gold futures experienced a quiet start to the week, trading in a tight range and forming an inside day. The market displayed subdued price action as traders adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of key economic data points, upcoming statements from Federal Reserve officials, and ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East. Despite the tight trading range, Gold futures held onto gains, trading near the 4,685 level and pushing toward the upper end of its recent channel just below 4,700. Other metals, including Silver, Platinum, Palladium, and Copper futures, also saw quiet and subdued trading sessions to open the week.
Markets rebound as geopolitical risks escalate. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:15:24 -0500
Bob Iaccino breaks down the morning's market rebound and the latest U.S. ISM non-manufacturing figures. He examines crude oil's recovery amid escalating geopolitical tensions and potential supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Bob also previews the upcoming EIA short-term energy outlook and highlights key global economic data and earnings reports expected later this week.
Copper futures fell as rising energy costs squeezed smelters. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 15:37:28 -0500
May Copper futures faced downward pressure, opening on a gap lower and falling throughout the morning session before bouncing slightly to finish down 1.08%. The broader risk-off environment across equity and commodity markets pulled capital away from industrial metals. Simultaneously, shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are driving up energy costs, squeezing copper smelters that are already operating on thin refining margins. With rising energy costs in Asia stressing the Chinese economy, the world's largest copper-consuming nation faces potential demand reductions. Market participants are watching the upcoming April 6 deadline for negotiations, though a near-term reopening of the strait appears unlikely.
Geopolitical deadlines and a $125 billion auction week. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:00:14 -0500
As the trading week begins, global markets face a critical April 6 deadline regarding geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The outcome of these discussions could have widespread implications across asset classes. Simultaneously, fixed income markets brace for a substantial $125 billion in U.S. Treasury auctions, featuring 3-year, 10-Year, and 30-year maturities. With Treasury yields recently breaking a four-week rising streak, the market's absorption of this new supply will be heavily scrutinized for clues on the future trajectory of interest rates. Investors are closely monitoring how these dual catalysts might inject volatility into the broader financial landscape.
Geopolitical tensions push crude futures higher. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:12:57 -0500
Bob Iaccino details the morning's broad market selloff, with all four major equity indexes and precious metals trading notably lower. Meanwhile, WTI crude futures are surging due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following recent remarks from the U.S. president. Iaccino also previews tomorrow's crucial non-farm payrolls report, despite most major U.S. markets being closed for the Good Friday holiday. Plus, an upcoming afternoon speech from Fed Governor Michelle Bowman could provide further insights ahead of first-quarter earnings.
Gold futures surged 2.5% as central bank buying added support. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:54:16 -0500
Phillip Streible analyzes the recent bull run in Gold futures, noting a 2.5% surge driven by safe-haven demand, stagflation concerns, and a weaker dollar. He highlights the structural support from central banks purchasing roughly 60 tons per month and Western ETFs adding 500 tons since early 2025. Streible also examines the shifting interest rate landscape, where 10-Year Treasury yields have eased and CME FedWatch Tool data shows a collapsing probability for a September hike, now favoring a 20.5% chance of a cut. Finally, he discusses the surge in industrial metals, specifically Copper futures, fueled by China's manufacturing PMI expanding to 50.4, signaling renewed demand from the world's largest consumer of base metals.
Equities rise on geopolitical updates. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:30:18 -0500
Bob Iaccino covers the morning's market action with equities pushing higher while crude oil falls on geopolitical updates regarding Iran. He analyzes the latest ISM manufacturing data, which came in stronger than expected, and examines gold's technical levels after it broke below its 50-day moving average. He also previews an upcoming primetime address on foreign policy and looks ahead to key earnings and economic data, including U.S. jobless claims and a speech by Fed Governor Bowman.
Gold futures surged over 3% amid rising geopolitical risks. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:40:52 -0500
June Gold futures posted their best single-session performance in eight weeks, climbing over 3% to close near intraday highs. The rally was driven by intensifying safe-haven demand as the ongoing conflict involving Iran continues to elevate recession risks. With WTI Crude Oil futures surging more than 52% since late February, inflation concerns are increasingly weighing on consumer and business confidence. Adding further support to precious metals, a pullback in U.S. Treasury yields and a weaker U.S. dollar created a strong tailwind, lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets and making gold more attractive to foreign buyers.
Markets Rally on Economic Data and Iran Talks. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:04:31 -0500
Bob Iaccino reviews the morning's market action, noting that equities are starting higher, led by the Russell futures. Optimism over potential talks regarding the Iran conflict is providing a boost to stocks. Meanwhile, U.S. yields continue to fall amid dollar weakness. Crude oil has retreated from recent highs following an initial geopolitical spike. Looking ahead, Iaccino highlights the importance of the upcoming ADP private payrolls report as a crucial read on the jobs market. He also previews upcoming earnings from major U.S. companies like Nike and Conagra Brands.
Gold futures rose from year-to-date lows on falling yields. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:50:13 -0500
Dan Deming analyzes the recent upward momentum in the metals markets. Gold futures are trading higher for a second consecutive session, moving towards the top end of their one-week range. This upward price action stems from a shifting dynamic in interest rates, as a rally in Treasury markets and lower yields on the back end of the curve have helped alleviate recent selling pressure. While Gold futures remain near their lowest levels since early January, they are finding short-term stability. Deming also notes that Silver and Copper futures are mirroring this positive trend, bouncing off lows dating back to mid-December. Overall, the metals complex is experiencing a broadly positive session.
Stocks mixed Crude Oil futures gap higher. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:00:10 -0500
Bob Iaccino discusses the mixed start for equities as WTI crude oil remains elevated above $102. Despite the pressure from energy prices, U.S. Treasury yields are lower across the curve, providing a tailwind for gold and silver. All eyes are on Fed Chair Jerome Powell's appearance at Harvard University today, his first since the March FOMC meeting. While billed as a non-monetary event, investors are looking for signals regarding geopolitical tensions in Iran and the Fed's inflation stance as Powell's term nears its end in May 2026. The report also previews upcoming earnings from Progress Software and McCormick, alongside a heavy slate of global economic data including U.S. JOLTS and Chinese PMI.
Quote Vendor Symbols Listing Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:25:00 -0500
The "Quote Vendor Symbol" file contains a list of products cleared by CME Group, along with the product codes utilized by select market data distributors.
A $98 crude market sets the stage for a possibly volatile week. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:46 -0500
Global energy markets brace for a possibly volatile week as shifting diplomatic deadlines and the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz keep WTI Crude Oil futures elevated past $98. With thousands of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf, any signs of an extended deadline or a breakthrough in reopening the strait could trigger sharp, two-way price action across equities, Treasuries, gold, and yen futures. Furthermore, Friday brings a highly anticipated jobs report, offering the first real look at the labor market's response to the recent energy supply shock. A second consecutive month of employment contraction could complicate the path forward for monetary policy amid rising inflation pressures.
Gold futures rallied as markets priced zero cuts in 2026. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:53:47 -0500
April Gold futures erased recent losses, bouncing off the 50-week moving average to finish the week down just 1.37%. This recovery occurred while risk assets faced significant pressure, with the S&P 500 declining and the Nasdaq-100 entering correction territory. This dynamic suggests gold may be re-establishing its traditional safe-haven role, a trend that had been previously overridden by U.S. dollar strength and rising yields. Meanwhile, interest rate expectations have shifted dramatically. Markets are now pricing in zero rate reductions for 2026, pushing the probability of the first cut to December 2027. This repricing of rates has been the primary weight on Gold futures, keeping prices roughly 19% below their late January all-time highs despite ongoing global tensions.