Core Insights - The potential invasion of Venezuela poses significant geopolitical risks that could impact global markets, particularly through fluctuations in oil prices [1][2][3] - Venezuela's oil production, accounting for 1% of global consumption, could lead to notable short-term impacts on energy prices and inflation if disrupted [2] - Military action in Venezuela could have broader implications for regime change and oil production, affecting financial markets worldwide [3] Active ETFs and Investment Strategies - Active ETFs provide flexibility to adjust to geopolitical risks and focus on company fundamentals, which can help investors navigate market shocks [4] - The T. Rowe Price Equity Research ETF (TSPA) exemplifies an active ETF that utilizes a bottom-up portfolio construction approach, identifying companies with strong fundamentals [5] - Transitioning to active ETFs by the end of 2025 may be a strategic move for investors to prepare for potential geopolitical risks in the upcoming year [5]

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices increased during the morning Asian session, driven by ongoing geopolitical risks [1] Group 1 - The rise in gold prices reflects investor sentiment amid uncertainties in the geopolitical landscape [1]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting with competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in relation to investments in cryptocurrencies and CFDs [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, personal analysis, and opinions, as well as materials from third parties for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information should not be interpreted as a recommendation or advice for any financial actions, including investments or purchases [1]. - The content is not tailored to individual financial situations or needs, highlighting the necessity for users to exercise their own discretion [1]. Group 2 - The website includes information about complex financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies and CFDs, which carry a high risk of losing money [1]. - Users are encouraged to conduct their own research and fully understand the workings and risks of any financial instruments before investing [1]. - The website may feature advertisements and promotional content, and FX Empire may receive compensation from third parties related to such content [1].

Core Viewpoint - Gold reached a record high in early Asian trading due to increasing geopolitical risks, which typically boost the safe-haven appeal of the precious metal [1] Group 1 - The rise in gold prices is attributed to heightened geopolitical tensions, which often lead investors to seek safer assets [1]

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) on Friday closed up +0.51 (+0.91%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) closed up +0.0069 (+0.41%). Crude oil and gasoline prices settled higher on Friday.  Crude prices are supported amid heightened geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Russia.  Also, Friday's stock rally boosts optimism about the economic outlook, which is supportive of energy demand.  Crude prices raced to their highs Friday afternoon after the Baker Hughes weekly report showed active US oil rigs fell to a 4.2 ...

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) today is up +0.28 (+0.50%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) is up +0.0006 (+0.04%). Crude oil and gasoline prices are stronger today.  Crude prices are supported amid heightened geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Russia.  Also, today's stock rally boosts optimism about the economic outlook, which is supportive of energy demand.  Gains in crude are limited after the dollar index (DXY00) climbed to a 1-week high today.  Also, a bearish global supply outlook continues to limi ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold prices are rising due to strong expectations of further monetary easing by the Federal Reserve, ongoing central bank purchases, and increasing geopolitical risks [1] Group 1 - The metal is benefiting from firm expectations of further monetary easing by the Fed [1] - There is ongoing central-bank buying which supports gold prices [1] - Broadening geopolitical risks are contributing to the demand for gold [1]

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) on Friday closed down -0.16 (-0.28%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) closed down -0.0077 (-0.44%). Crude oil and gasoline prices moved lower on Friday, with gasoline posting a 4.75-year nearest-futures low.  Friday's dollar strength weighed on energy prices.  Also, Friday's stock weakness has dampened optimism about the economic outlook, a negative factor for energy demand and crude prices.  In addition, concerns about a global oil glut continue to pressure crude prices. ...

Group 1: Oil and Gas Prices - January WTI crude oil is down -0.32 (-0.56%), and January RBOB gasoline closed down -0.0118 (-0.67%) [1] - Gasoline prices have reached a 4.75-year nearest-futures low, influenced by dollar strength and stock market weakness, dampening economic outlook and energy demand [1] - Concerns about a global oil glut are pressuring crude prices, as indicated by Trafigura's forecast of a "super glut" due to new supply and sluggish demand [2] Group 2: Geopolitical Risks - Increased geopolitical risks in Venezuela are supportive for crude prices, as US forces have intercepted sanctioned oil tankers, potentially limiting Venezuela's oil exports [3] - The Russian-Ukrainian war is also supporting crude prices, with threats from President Putin against nations aiding Ukraine and recent drone attacks on Russian tankers [4] Group 3: Russian Oil Exports - Reduced crude exports from Russia are underpinning crude prices, with shipments falling to 1.7 million bpd, the lowest in over 3 years [5] - Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and infrastructure have exacerbated fuel shortages in Russia, further limiting export capabilities [5] - New US and EU sanctions on Russian oil companies and infrastructure are contributing to the decline in Russian oil exports [5]

January WTI crude oil (CLF26) on Thursday closed down -0.78 (-1.34%), and January RBOB gasoline (RBF26) closed down -0.0232 (-1.15%). Crude oil and gasoline retreated on Thursday, with crude posting a 7-week low and gasoline slumping to a 4.75-year nearest-futures low.  Concerns about a global oil glut continue to pressure crude prices.  Also, today's stock weakness has dampened optimism in the economic outlook, a bearish factor for energy demand. More News from Barchart Losses in crude were limited T ...