After a savaging in the wake of the coronavirus-induced economic slump, the crude oil price forecast for next week is looking a little brighter. With lockdown restrictions being eased and a package of production cuts apparently holding firm, oil prices seem to be in the foothills of a recovery.
The spectacular bull run in the gold price shows no sign of slackening. Anyone who bought the yellow metal a year ago would be sitting on a profit of more than 30%.
The Cac 40 index of top Paris-listed stocks is showing signs of recovery after a battering in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. It is currently more than 10% higher than a month ago as European economies unlock after the epidemic.
Sterling and London stocks were higher this morning as UK and European Union negotiators prepared for a fresh round of talks starting on 2 May. Both sides seem deadlocked over key issues concerning Britain’s future trading relation with the 27-nation bloc.
Crude prices have slumped since the start of the year as the coronavirus has led to widespread economic lock-down. But traders seem now to be anticipating a recovery in demand for “black gold”.
Launched in January 1999, the euro has proved a blessing for some member-countries but posed problems for others. This is reflected in the different prospects for economic growth across the single currency bloc.
Bullion’s year-long surge shows no sign of ending as a world gripped by recession fears in the wake of the coronavirus crisis turns to the oldest monetary asset of all. Suggestions this week of further stimulus measures for the US economy helped strengthen gold at the expense of the dollar.
The Volatility Index calculated by the Chicago Board Options Exchange hit a peak in March as the coronavirus crisis gripped world markets, but has since comes down a little. However, it remains considerably higher than at the start of the year.
Shares and the pound were up in London this morning despite the failure so far of talks on Britain’s future trading relationship with the European Union. Suggestions that both sides have more “wriggle room” may have helped, as may a Europe-wide share-price rise.
After the traumas in the crude market in recent weeks, many are asking: will the oil price recover? It is currently caught in the crossfire of a number of economic developments but history teaches that “black gold” has always bounced back from its difficulties – the only question is when?
The Dow Jones index has fallen by more than 18 per cent this year. Recently it has shown signs of life, so what are the Dow Jones predictions for next week?
Oil prices have climbed back from recent low, bolstered by further production cuts and hopes for higher demand as lock-down restrictions are eased. But American experts warn it will be 18 months before US fuel demand returns to pre-crisis levels.
Once a currency-market flashpoint, the yen/dollar relationship has been calmer in recent years. But with both countries feeling the effects of the Covid-19 crisis, stability between these two huge monetary units cannot be guaranteed.
Italy’s blue chip FTSE MIB index has been devastated by the coronavirus crisis, unsurprising, perhaps, given this was the country where the disease fir hit Europe. But now there are signs of a slow recovery for the Milan exchange.
The first four months of this year have been brutal for stock markets round the world, with traders gripped by fears of a coronavirus-induced slump. But looking at the stock market forecast for next week, there are signs that the worst may be over.
