Cryptos: All News & Analysis

European markets entered bear market territory at the start of the week as panic set in at the open in response to reports of the US looking to impose a ban on imported Russian oil. To make matters worse, the reports appeared to suggest Europe is considering similar action as well which would be a monumental blow for Russian producers and the economy. It would also be a massive problem for Europe as there isn't exactly an abundance of alternatives out there right now. The initial reports sent

07-03-2022 11:59 GMT by Craig Erlam

Commodities and Cryptos: Oil higher, Gold shines, Bitcoin lower after Nuclear plant seized

Oil Crude prices rallied after Russian troops seized control of Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Southeastern Ukraine. A fire at the nuclear site was extinguished and early reports were that there was no immediate indication of a rise in radiation levels. Yesterday, hopes were growing that a third round of talks could happen and lead to a ceasefire and later that night Russia forces continued to make gains. Oil prices has been a one-way market, but the potential return of Iranian crud

04-03-2022 12:48 GMT by Edward Moya

Bear market territory

European markets are closing in on bear market territory in heavy selling at the end of the week as investors grow increasingly fearful of recessionary and escalation risks. The sell-off has gathered pace as the morning has progressed and I can't expect the mood will improve as we head into another highly uncertain weekend. The fact that Vladimir Putin is showing no desire to de-escalate despite crippling economic sanctions says everything about his mentality and that is bad news for everyone.

04-03-2022 09:31 GMT by Craig Erlam

Risk-aversion returns after brief rally

Stock markets are back in the red again on Thursday, as we await further talks between delegations from Ukraine and Russia. Wednesday's rebound was predictably short-lived against the backdrop of reports of intensifying attacks by Russian troops as they close in on cities across the country. The sanctions that have been levelled at Russia since the invasion started have been far more severe than many expected and we're learning more about their devastating impact with every passing day. While

03-03-2022 15:32 GMT by Craig Erlam

Sell-off on hold amid more talks

The sell-off is on hold on Wednesday as investors regroup following another big move lower a day earlier. European stocks are paring gains and the US has kicked things off in a similar fashion with energy naturally leading the way. I'm not sure broader market sentiment has improved in any way since yesterday given the intensification of the invasion of Ukraine and soaring oil prices but equity markets are seeing some reprieve. There is mild hope that talks between the Ukrainian and Russian del

02-03-2022 12:26 GMT by Craig Erlam

Stocks rebound ahead of Powell testimony, ADP impresses, Powell sets up March liftoff, bitcoin nears potential top

US stocks are rallying on hopes that the hard-hitting sanctions could be working on Russia and on expectations that Fed Chair Powell will signal the central bank will be in wait-and-see mode with regards to aggressively tackling inflation until they assess the war in Ukraine impact. Risk appetite will struggle to fully return until a true end in the war in Ukraine is in sight. Wall Street wants to take a break from the defensive playbook and hold off overloading on utilities, healthcare and con

02-03-2022 10:40 GMT by Edward Moya

Market Insights Podcast (Episode 300)

OANDA Senior Market Analyst Craig Erlam reviews the day's market news with Jonny Hart. They discuss another day of turbulence in financial markets as Russian sanctions begin to bite and the invasion of Ukraine intensifies.

02-03-2022 06:47 GMT by Craig Erlam

Commodities and Cryptos Shine as risk aversion hits Wall Street: Oil surges, Gold and Bitcoin rally

Oil Energy traders shrugged off the EIA announcement that 60-million barrels of crude will be released. Crude prices can’t stop going higher as a very tight oil market will likely see further risk to supplies as the War in Ukraine unfolds. Expectations for a revival of the Iran nuclear deal have come down a bit as talks still have a few key issues. Brent crude could surge to the $120 level if the oil market starts to think it is likely that sanctions will be placed on Russian energy. Normal

01-03-2022 15:05 GMT by Edward Moya

Another risk-averse session

Equity markets came under heavy pressure into the close in Europe on Tuesday, as the Ukraine invasion continued and the price of oil soared. The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces is continuing to intensify despite talks yesterday between delegations from both sides on the border with Belarus. Further talks are expected to take place this week but that's not slowing the assault on Kyiv, to the horror of most countries around the world. The sanctions that have been announced so far will be d

01-03-2022 13:22 GMT by Craig Erlam

Markets look to price peak-Ukraine

The New York session once again saw a sharp reversal of fortunes, reversing the post-weekend Russia sanctions sell-off. Oil, the US dollar, and gold fell, while equities stage an uneven comeback.

01-03-2022 04:18 GMT by Jeffrey Halley

Stock pare losses, bitcoin breakout

US stocks clawed back losses as investors prepared for a massive economic downfall for Russia now that the Western nations are intensifying sanctions. Wall Street finished in the red as Russia’s financial meltdown led to some contagion worries and as surging commodity prices will continue to fuel inflationary pressures that will lead to growth concerns later this year.

28-02-2022 15:35 GMT by Edward Moya

Powerful sanctions hit risk appetite

We're seeing widespread risk aversion once more on Monday after new severe sanctions were levied against Russia over the weekend. The response to previous sanctions was underwhelming, to say the least, but the latest batch undoubtedly has the teeth that the others lacked. That's been most clearly evident in the FX markets, where the rouble plunged more than 30% to record lows and that could have been much worse but for swift action by the central bank. An emergency rate hike - raising the key

28-02-2022 10:43 GMT by Craig Erlam

Bitcoin - Better days ahead?

Survived another big test It's been quite the turnaround in the markets over the last 24 hours as traders quickly morphed from panicking about Russia invading Ukraine to seemingly being more hopeful and buying the dips. The recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, especially when you consider what is still happening in Ukraine. But as we can see in bitcoin, risk appetite has returned in a big way and the outlook for the crypto is looking far more positive. The fact that it failed to bre

25-02-2022 15:29 GMT by Craig Erlam

Commodities and Cryptos: Crude declines, Gold weakens, Bitcoin follows risk rally

Oil Crude prices continue to drop as energy traders realize that War in Ukraine probably won’t lead to any disruptions of Russian crude to Europe. Despite the potential for talks between Moscow and Ukraine officials, the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate as Russian forces make a move for Ukraine’s capital. Taking over Kiev would be followed by a strong reaction from Western leaders, which should suggest all sanctions remain on the table, including Russia crude oil and gas. WTI crude

25-02-2022 14:16 GMT by Edward Moya

Market Insights Podcast (Episode 299)

Jonny Hart looks back on the week's business and markets news with OANDA Senior Market Analyst Ed Moya in New York. This week they discuss how financial markets reacted to the War in Ukraine, what is driving the oil markets and what to expect going forward, recap the latest round US economic data, and how cryptos staged quite the comeback. They also discuss what the week ahead has in store for financial markets.

25-02-2022 14:01 GMT by Edward Moya

Equities bounce back

Stock markets in Europe are rebounding strongly on Friday, just one day after plunging on the back of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It's a remarkable turnaround when you consider that the invasion is still taking place and sanctions are being drawn up. There is still huge uncertainty around how bad the situation will get, given how quickly it has escalated over the last few days, which makes the shift in risk appetite all the more surprising. With oil trading back below USD 100 a barrel and ga

25-02-2022 08:52 GMT by Craig Erlam

US Close – Russia attack on Ukraine changes everything for Inflation/growth outlooks, Stocks rebound, Ruble pummeled, Oil volatile, Gold turns negative, Bitcoin stabilizes

Global equities were in freefall as investors fled to safe-haven assets after Russian missiles and airstrikes hit dozens of Ukraine cities. Regional warfare will intensify inflationary pressures globally as energy markets could still see another massive surge after the EU/US respond.

24-02-2022 15:18 GMT by Edward Moya

Turmoil as Russia invades Ukraine

Massive risk-aversion is sweeping through financial markets on Thursday in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Russian offensive started in the early hours of the morning in Europe and has been occurring across the country. The mood turned increasingly negative as the morning progressed, with headlines and images displaying the atrocities taking place in Ukraine. The knee-jerk reaction has been severe across the board and with the situation deteriorating by the hour, we could see fur

24-02-2022 11:53 GMT by Craig Erlam

Volatile equities session, Lowes delivers, bitcoin steadies

US slaps Russia with soft sanctions President Biden’s sanctions on Russia were about as harsh as my disciplining my daughter when she gives me puppy dog eyes. US stocks tentatively rebounded as some cash-strapped investors could not pass up buying the S&P 500 at a 10% discount and on the soft start of sanctions against Russia. It is hardly far from a de-escalation of tensions, but many traders thought the sanctions against Russia were going to be hard-hitting and send a message to Moscow. Ins

23-02-2022 13:50 GMT by Edward Moya

Stock markets cautiously higher

Stock markets are back in positive territory on Wednesday as investors await Russia's response to initial sanctions from the West. Tensions have obviously increased this week following Putin's decision to recognise the independence of two separatist regions in Ukraine but investors are not particularly deterred. We've seen plenty of risk aversion at times in recent weeks as the situation has escalated but as we've seen over the last 24 hours, the dips are still attracting interest. As long as

23-02-2022 11:12 GMT by Craig Erlam

Cryptos: all news & analysis