Crude Oil Hits $63 On Russia–Ukrane Dispute

In today’s economic news, the ISM Manufacturing
Index showed growth in the manufacturing sector slowed more than expected


(
report).
Meanwhile Construction Spending rose less than expected (
report).
The December Fed minutes revealed members differed over how much further rates
would have to rise (
report).
The news sent stocks index futures higher and the US Dollar lower.

Natural Gas hit a 4-month low as warm weather
persisted across the Northeast US. However, Crude Oil spiked above $63 due to the
dispute between Russia and Ukraine.



Chart courtesy of FutureSource.com

Gold climbed more than $13, boosted by the drop
in the US Dollar. The yellow metal looks set to challenge the highs of early
December.


Chart courtesy of FutureSource.com

Cocoa closed higher following yesterday’s news that two Ivory Coast military
bases were attacked.


Chart courtesy of FutureSource.com

Sugar pulled back sharply after hitting a new contract-high last week.


Chart courtesy of FutureSource.com

Economic News


ISM Manufacturing Index At 54.2 For Dec. (
report).


Construction Spending rose 0.2 percent to $1.146 trillion in November (
report).


Fed Minutes (
report).

Ashton Dorkins

ashtond@tradingmarkets.com