Bullet Points, Highlights, Announcements
Crypto:
Ahead of the underlying asset, December Bitcoin futures rose above the benchmark $100,000 level – new record highs – this afternoon. Traders attributed this latest milestone to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s announcement that Chair Gary Gensler will step down effective Jan. 20, Inauguration Day. Bitcoin futures have more than doubled in value this year and since Election Day, November 5, Bitcoin futures have soared roughly 40%. The incoming administration has committed itself to explore crypto-friendly initiatives, including the creation of a bitcoin national stockpile and the replacement of the SEC’s Commissioner.
Metals:
December Gold futures prices extended gains for a fourth straight day today to its highest level in ten days, fueled by a surge in safe-haven demand as geopolitical tensions intensify, particularly the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The mutual escalation on the Russia-Ukraine, including recent Ukrainian U.S.-made and British-made missile strikes on Russian territory, has sparked fears the war may be entering a new, more destructive phase. Since last Thursday’s intraday low of $2,541.50 per ounce, Dec. gold has moved up over $100 per ounce (a $10,000 per contract move) to trade above $2,570 into today’s close of trading. This bodes well for higher prices, even amidst growing pessimism about the possibility of more and more frequent cuts to U.S. interest rates early next year.
Energy:
Natural gas futures have also shown to be more sensitive to geopolitical risks and are in the middle of an impressive rally, climbing by 18% this week so far, reaching over $3.40 per million British thermal units today, after trading intraday below $2.52 on Nov. 4, an ($8,800 per contract move). Typically the driving catalyst for higher natural gas prices, plummeting temperatures and an intensifying need for heating have now added to the futures’ momentum. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warned today of the season’s first significant snowfall in the central and northern Appalachians, with heavy accumulation expected through Friday. |
