Analytics, News, and Forecasts for CFD Markets: raw news — 18-06-2014.

Prices for WTI crude oil declined moderately, having fallen under the influence of a government report on oil stocks. Meanwhile, the price of Brent crude oil has risen, due to the escalation in Iraq, where the conflict between radical Sunni insurgents and Shiite Iraqi soldiers. According to media reports, the largest oil refinery in Iraq was attacked by Sunni militants on Wednesday.

With regard to the report from the U.S. Department of Energy, it showed:

- Commercial oil reserves in the vaults of the U.S. in the week 7-13 June fell by 579,000 barrels to 386.3 million barrels, while the average forecast assumed their fall by 1.1 million barrels.

- Gasoline inventories rose by 785,000 barrels to 214.3 million barrels (analysts had expected growth of 200,000 barrels).

- Distillate inventories rose by 436,000 barrels to 119.4 million barrels, while analysts had expected an increase of 400,000 barrels.

- Refining capacity utilization rate fell 0.8 percentage points to 87.1% (analysts expected growth rate by 0.8 percentage points).

We also recall that yesterday's report from the Institute of Oil API showed:

- Capacity utilization in the week 87.3% vs. 87.8%

- Distillate stocks last week 0.531 million barrels

- Gasoline inventories last week -0.048 million barrels

- Crude oil inventories -5.7 million barrels

Meanwhile, market participants remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve statement. Market analysts predict that the Fed would reduce its bond buying program by $ 10 billion from the current $ 45 billion due to the improved economy. The announcement will be followed by a press conference with Fed Chairman Janet Yellen, amid speculation about the timing of a possible rise in interest rates. The Central Bank will also provide their regular forecasts for economic growth, inflation and interest rates.

Cost of the August futures on U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) fell to $ 105.57 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

August futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose $ 0.57 to $ 113.85 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices have stabilized today, as market participants await the announcement of the outcome of the meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve, which will give an idea about the possible timing recovery rates.

Most economists forecast that the Central Bank will continue to minimize the quantitative easing program, reducing its volume by $ 10 billion - $ 35 billion

In addition, the Fed will publish an updated forecast of indicators such as unemployment, inflation and GDP growth. Will also be published updated forecast regarding the interest rate on the federal credit. In March, leaders of the American Central Bank expected to increase this rate to 1% by the end of next year and 2.25% by the end of 2016. High rates of inflation in the United States on Tuesday raised expectations that the Fed chief Janet Yellen may prove more decisive attitude, and will signal an earlier-than-expected rise in interest rates.

"There are no surprises from the Fed's June meeting will be a shock to the market - said managing director Charles Schwab Fredrik Randy. - The chances of an increase in rates in the environment are almost zero, and yaw to reduce QE will also be a big surprise."

Little impact on the bidding had U.S. data that showed the current account deficit deteriorated more than expected to expand to $ 111.16 billion in the 1st quarter from $ 87.3 billion in Q4. Surplus of primary income declined in the last quarter. Because of the sluggish pace of economic activity during the winter of the current account deficit as a percentage of nominal GDP rose to 2.6% from 2.0%. The increase was in contrast to the improvement of the external position of the U.S., which is still recovering.

Meanwhile, markets track events in Iraq, where the conflict between radical Sunni insurgents and Shiite Iraqi soldiers. According to media reports, the largest oil refinery in Iraq was attacked by Sunni militants on Wednesday.

Also today it was announced that the world's largest reserves secured gold exchange-traded fund SPDR Gold Trust on Tuesday fell for a second day, 0.26 tons to 782.62 tons. On Monday, the outflow of funds was the highest since mid-April.

Margins in India, the second-largest in the world gold imports, fell to a minimum of four months from the end of the wedding season.

The cost of the August gold futures on the COMEX today dropped to $ 1270.8 per ounce.