Gold prices rose sharply on Friday, poised for their strongest week since early April, driven by disappointing U.S. employment figures that have intensified expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts this year. Spot gold climbed 1.1% to $2,372.16 per ounce, reaching a two-week high, with a weekly increase of over 3%. U.S. gold futures also saw significant gains, up 1.7% to $2,379.00. Market sentiment is bolstered by the likelihood of synchronized rate cuts from major central banks.
Brent Crude Rises Amid Strong Global Demand Signals
Brent crude oil prices increased to $84.39 a barrel on Friday, buoyed by growing demand in the U.S. and China, the world’s top oil consumers, and escalating Middle East tensions. U.S. West Texas Intermediate also rose, supported by falling U.S. crude inventories and robust Chinese trade figures indicating increased oil imports. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, including new attacks in the Gaza Strip and a drone strike in Russia, further underpins the volatile oil market landscape.
U.S. Overtakes China as Germany’s Top Trading Partner
The U.S. has surpassed China to become Germany’s largest trading partner in early 2024, with bilateral trade reaching €63 billion ($68 billion) compared to China’s €60 billion. This shift reflects robust U.S. demand for German products and a strategic decoupling from China amid its economic challenges. Germany’s new trade strategy also encourages reducing dependence on Chinese imports, further influencing this realignment. This trend is supported by a broader European stance of cautious engagement and competitive tension with China. (CNBC)
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