Analytics, News, and Forecasts for CFD Markets: raw news — 18-12-2015.

Gold price rose on higher demand for safe-haven asset and on a weaker U.S. dollar.

Gains were limited by the Fed's interest rate hike. The Fed on Wednesday raised its interest rate to the range 0.25% - 0.50% from 0.00% - 0.25% as widely expected by analysts.

Gold is traded in U.S. dollars. It suffers when the U.S. dollar strengthens, becoming more expensive for holders of other currencies.

The U.S. services PMI data also supported gold price. Markit Economics released its preliminary services purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.S. on Friday. The U.S. preliminary services purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 53.7 in December from 56.1 in November. It was the lowest level since December 2012.

January futures for gold on the COMEX today traded at 1063.00 dollars per ounce.

West Texas Intermediate futures for January delivery is currently at $36.17 (-0.28%), while Brent crude is at $37.22 (+0.43%). Both crudes are on track to post a third week of declines (-2.2% and -2.1% respectively).

Fundamentals remain bearish. The Energy Information Administration reported on Wednesday that U.S. crude oil inventories unexpectedly rose last week. The Federal Reserve raised its interest rates this week. Higher Fed rates normally support the greenback making the dollar denominated crude more expensive for customers using other currencies. Investors are also waiting for U.S. lawmakers to vote on oil exports ban elimination.

Analysts say that oil prices have not reached the bottom yet.

Gold climbed to $1,054.20 (+0.44%) after a sharp decline in the previous session, but remained not far from a six-year low. On Wednesday the central bank of the U.S. raised its interest rates to a range of 0.25%-0.50% from 0%-0.25%. Higher rates increase the opportunity cost of holding the non-interest paying precious metal and reduce demand for it. Bullion is on track to post a nearly 2% decline this week.

Technical analysts say that the precious metal may test the key $1,000 level soon.

Assets in SPDR Gold Trust, the biggest gold-backed exchange-traded fund in the world, fell 0.70% to 630.17 tonnes on Thursday, the lowest since September 2008.