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Dec

17/12/2014 - December Daily Review

: Donald Herison; 17 December 2014; Hits: 1446

US markets closed lower after a choppy session. Investors became anxious with the threat of falling oil prices and a strong devaluation of the Russian Ruble. Attention will now turn to today’s FOMC statement at the conclusion of a 2 day meeting.

Asian markets were mixed across the region. The Nikkei added 0.38% as the Japanese Trade Balance came out strong and showed a lower than expected deficit of 892 billion. The Hang Seng lost 0.42% as sentiment spilled over from the US session and investors focused on Russia and the FOMC statement.

Yesterday, Oil reached a new low of $53.6/barrel. Prices plunged on worries over Russia and weak data from China. Volatility was high and later in the session the price managed to rebound upwards following strong European data and speculation that the price had dropped too strongly. The API released data showing that inventories climbed by 1.9million barrels over the past week. The EIA will release government data at 3:30pm GMT today.

Gold traded with high volatility and climbed as traders flocked to safe haven assets following the Rubles collapse. The price reversed back down, however, as the FOMC statement moves closer. Traders want to learn whether the Fed will repeat that rates will remain low for a ‘considerable time’ or instead provide an estimated date.

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Daily Video Review - 17/12

: Donald Herison; 17 December 2014; Hits: 1674

Dec

4 Tips for Today’s Trading - 17/12

: Donald Herison; 17 December 2014; Hits: 3326

Here are 4 tips for today's trading. This will help you decide where you should invest and what to look for:

1) Fed Focus

Investors will be monitoring the Federal Reserve news conference at 2:00pm ET to gauge what Fed chair Janet Yellen is planning for monetary policy over the coming year.

The Fed previously reassured markets that any rate rise would be a "considerable time" away, but analysts say the language may be tweaked, despite the deflationary impact of plunging oil prices. The Fed has held its key short-term rate near zero since 2008.

2) Ready for a Rebound?

US stock futures are rising Wednesday, though the markets have been fickle lately, and CNNMoney's Fear & Greed index still shows investors are feeling fearful.

3) Ruble Steadying

The Russian ruble, which has plunged by over 50% since the start of the year, is rising by about 2% versus the U.S. dollar Wednesday.

The currency is stabilizing after enduring two consecutive days of heavy losses. Russian authorities are reportedly selling foreign exchange reserves.

4) International Markets Overview

All major European markets were declining in early trading.

Greece is voting for a new president Wednesday and Russian concerns are still top of mind, which has created a negative mood in Europe. Asian markets closed with mixed results.