Fluctuations in the financial markets … the decline in oil, gold, the stability of stocks and currencies

An economic report said: The financial markets witnessed noticeable fluctuations last week, with a decline in oil and gold prices, and relative stability in stocks and currencies, while the Japanese and Chinese economy recorded a positive performance.
According to the report, fears of US consumer spending are still casting a shadow on the markets, while European defense spending plans to force the power of a unified currency are enhanced.
According to the report, at the same time, US Treasury bonds remain at low levels, which reflects the state of anticipation among investors towards the upcoming economic moves.

Oil prices

West Texas Intermediate crude decreased by $ 0.55 (0.77%) to $ 70.74 a barrel.

Brent crude fell by $ 0.28 (0.37%) to $ 74.74 a barrel.

Golden

The price of gold fell below $ 2,900 an ounce after it reached $ 2,940, affected by global demand and US and Russia talks on the ceasefire.

Natural gas futures in the United States rose to $ 3.7, driven by increasing liquefied natural gas exports, low production, and expectations for a cold weather.

Stock performance

American stocks witnessed a different performance last Friday; The Standard & Poor’s 500 index maintained its stability, while the NASDAC index increased by 0.4%, and the Dogons Index decreased by 165 points, amid fears of the decline in consumer spending.
The Air BnB shares recorded a 14.4% jump thanks to strong financial results, while Jim Stop’s share increased by 2.6% as a result of speculation on bitcoin.
The “Moderna” shares increased by 3.3%despite its losses, while Eli Lily’s share fell 3%, while the Standard & Poor’s index 500 per week increased by 1%, Dogons 0.3%, and NASDAC 1.7%.

European stocks fell on Friday after achieving the highest levels, but they ended the week with a total height, driven by peace prospects in Ukraine and fears of American customs duties.
The “Stoxx 50” index decreased by 0.2% to 5,488 points, while the “Stoxx 600” index fell 0.3% to 552 points.
Hermes shares increased by 1%thanks to strong sales, and throughout the week, the “Stoxx 50” index recorded 3%and “Stoxus 600” by 1.5%.

Foreign currency movements

The Japanese yen rose against all currencies in the Ten Group (G10) after it exceeded the expectations of GDP growth, which increases the chances of raising interest rates.
The dollar index settled on Bloomberg after a decrease of 1% last week.

The Australian/American dollar pair fixed at 0.6350, with short -term resistance at average movement for 100 days.
The euro/US dollar pair decreased by 0.1% to 1.4086, as European defense spending plans continued.
The New Zealand/American dollar pair decreased by 0.1% to 0.5919 before the interest rate decision from New Zealand.

Overal economy indicators

Retail sales in the United States decreased by 0.9% in January 2025, the largest decrease since March 2023, as a result of harsh weather and Los Angeles fires.
Sports supplies stores witnessed the largest decrease by -4.6%, while gas stations and food services increased by 0.9%.
The sales used to calculate the gross domestic product decreased by 0.8%.
Japan’s GDP increased by 0.7% quarterly in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 0.4% average in the third quarter, exceeding the market expectations that were at 0.3%, according to initial data. This is the third height in a row.
The current account in China recorded a record surplus of $ 180.7 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to 56.2 billion dollars in the previous year and $ 148 billion in the third quarter.
The excess account of the commodity witnessed an increase to 249.6 billion dollars, as a result of slowing domestic consumption and increasing production capacity, which made manufacturers rely more on foreign consumers.

Treasury bonds

Treasury bonds were closed on Friday with returns close to the lowest levels of the week, and retail sales for January came without expectations despite the escalating adjustments to December numbers.
The middle sectors recorded an increase of about 2 basis points, and the returns decreased across the various deadlines without their moving average for 50 days, as most of them were closed without trend lines.

The revenues of bonds 10 years reached about 5 lower basis points, and it recorded approximately 4.48%, within a weekly range ranging between 4.445%and 4.658%.
On the other hand, the UK and Germany revenues increased by about 1 basis.