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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