Oil Prices Positively Affected by Kuwaiti Oil Strike

Starting today’s report with an important quote “U.S. economic conditions are mostly favourable yet the Federal Reserve remains cautious in raising interest rates because threats loom”, New York Fed President William Dudley said. Dudley also said, "Policy adjustments are likely to be gradual and cautious, as we continue to face significant uncertainties and the headwinds to growth from the financial crisis have not fully abated."

USD index declined by 20 pips to trade at 94.46, negatively affected by Doha’s Meeting. Yesterday, oil prices pared losses, positively affected by the Kuwaiti oil strike. The Kuwait strike has helped the market by cutting crude out of the supply chain.  

The negative impact of Doha’s meeting overshadows oil prices, as they could decline to $35, despite WTI trading at $40 but it could fail to settle above during the next period. 

USD/JPY touched 109 levels and the greenback eagerly awaits an important release from the housing market.

EUR settled at $1.13 amid lack of US economic data. Euro could be affected by German ZEW Survey and decline to $1.1250.

GBP rose vs. the U.S dollar and traded at $1.13, thanks to soft USD. On the other hand, U.K. finance Minister George Osborne warns voters against Brexit, saying, “Leaving the EU would do “permanent” damage to the country’s economy and would shrink the economy by 6% by 2030.”

Gold settled at the beginning of the week, affected by the lack of US economic data and th Kuwaiti oil strike. The yellow metal could gain little during the course of the week and touch $1,250.

The most important economic events:

• EUR Euro-Zone ZEW Survey (Economic Sentiment) (APR): (GMT 11:00) Important - Previous (10.6)
• NZD Dairy Auction Whole Milk Powder MT (APR 19): (GMT 14:00) Important -Previous ($2,013)
• NZD Dairy Auction Avg. Winning Price MT (APR 19): (GMT 14:00) Important -Previous ($2,188)
• USD Housing Starts (MoM) (MAR): (GMT 14:30) Important –Forecast (-0.7%) - Previous (5.2%)
• USD Building Permits (MoM) (MAR) (GMT 14:30) Important –Forecast (2.0%) - Previous (-2.2%)

Disclaimer
The prices and news mentioned in this outlook are absolutely no guarantee of future market performance and do not represent the view of ICM Capital Limited. Financial markets can move in either direction causing profits to be made or complete losses to be incurred by the trader. Each trader must decide for themselves what their risk appetite is and ensure that correct risk management procedures are in place before placing any trades.