Gold was rallying through whole January, but hit resistance in February. The precious metal was trading sideways for several sessions, moving in a range of about $1,713 to 1,760 per ounce. Development of the situation in Europe will likely be crucial for performance of the metal in a short term. For now, Europe looks a little better than was though previously, but the perception of the situation in the eurozone may change anytime.

Gold spot price climbed from $1,731.40 to $1,746.80, but retreated and traded near $1,732.70 as of 23:42 GMT today on COMEX.

Crude oil advanced after a report showed that US inventories rose less than was predicted by analysts, while refineries increased their production. US stockpiles of crude grew just by 0.3 million barrels last week. Refineries boosted their capacity utilization by 1 percentage point to 82.8 percent. March futures for crude oil delivery rose $0.3 to $98.71 per barrel on NYMEX.
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US nonfarm payrolls rose by 243,000 jobs in January. That’s compared to the average forecast of 150,000 and the December growth by 203,000. The unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent, making a pleasant surprise for market participants, who expected it to stay at 8.5 percent.

Carsten Fritsch, analyst at Commerzbank, spoke about the positive impact of the news, but also mentioned a negative side of the employment growth regarding commodity prices:

The jobs data shows the economy is gaining momentum. This is bullish for risk appetite and therefore for commodity prices. However, it may limit the scope for a third round of quantitative easing, and this may limit gains.

March futures for delivery of crude oil gained $1.11 to $97.47 per barrel before trading at $96.89 by 13:42 on NYMEX. Spot price for Brent crude went up from $112.50 to $113.34 per barrel as of 17:41 GMT today on ICE. Gold dropped from $1,758.70 to $1,736.70 on COMEX today.
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Bernanke explained how external influences, like the earthquake in Japan and Europe’s crisis, hurt the US economy in 2011, but added:

Fortunately, over the past few months, indicators of spending, production, and job market activity have shown some signs of improvement; and, in economic projections just released, Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) participants indicated that they expect somewhat stronger growth this year than in 2011.

Positive performance of the US economy isn’t guaranteed, though, as Chairman explained:

The outlook remains uncertain, however, and close monitoring of economic developments will remain necessary.

Such comments leave place for additional stimulus that may be beneficial for gold prices.

The economic situation in the United States is balance in a unique way as both improvement and deteriorating of the economy may prove positive for the precious metal. Prices for gold reflected that by climbing by 11 percent in January.

Gold traded at $1,756.70 as of 4:23 GMT today on COMEX after jumping from $1,745.10 to $1,759.50 yesterday.
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Wheat was also higher on dwindling Russian stocks. Inventories of some Russian regions declined by more than 50 percent, while other regions shipped almost all of their supplies as exports picked up. Wheat climbed from $6.4075 to $6.4650 per bushel on CBoT today.
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Demand for German bonds on the auction yesterday was weak. Eurozone inflation fell from 3.0 percent to 2.8 percent last month, according to the preliminary estimate of Eurostat.

Earlier, crude was rising on growing tensions around Iran. Oil and copper were also rallying as manufacturing in the United States and China expanded.

February futures for delivery of crude was down $0.71 to $102.25 per barrel as of 00:43 GMT in electronic trading on NYMEX. Brent crude dropped from $113.65 to $113.05 per barrel as of 3:43 GMT today on ICE. Copper was down from $3.4700 to $3.4230 per pound, while gold went higher from $1,614.20 to $1,617.20 per ounce today on COMEX.
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Both commodities also gained on rumors that Iran made headway in creating nuclear weapon. Gold rallied as the rumors increased its appeal as a safe asset, while oil rose on concerns that sanctions against the country from the USA would disrupt shipments.

February futures for crude oil delivery advanced as much as $4.13 to $102.96 per barrel on NYMEX, the highest price since May 10. Brent crude surged from $108.38 to $112.07 per barrel today as of 23:18 GMT on ICE. Gold was up from $1,570.10 to $1,606.70 per ounce, while silver spot price went higher from $28.17 to $29.55 per ounce on COMEX.
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Copper performed better on hopes that the US economic growth would outweigh the problems in Europe and the slowdown in China. The US PMI is expected to post a positive reading next week. The US economy grew 1.8 percent this year and analysts predict that it’ll expand 2.1 percent in 2011. Copper advanced from $3.4220 to $3.4315 per pound on COMEX.
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Global stockpiles fell 22 percent since March and were at the lowest level since October 2009 this month.

The European Central Bank injected money in Europe’s financial system by providing loans to European banks in an attempt to battle with the region’s crisis. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. predicted that Europe’s demand for copper will increase in the next quarter and prices will advance 26 percent in the next year.

The US economy continuously shows signs of improvement, improving prospects for industrial metals. Durable goods orders rose 3.8 percent in November after no growth was registered in October.

Copper rose from $3.4250 to $3.4470 per pound today on COMEX and earlier reached $3.4635 — the highest level since December 13.
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The US gross domestic product expanded 1.8 percent in the third quarter. The jobless claims went down from 368,000 to 364,000 last week. The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index rose from 64.1 to 69.9 in December. The leading index advanced 0.5 percent in November.

Oil also gained as the report showed that the US inventories shrank by 10.6 million barrels to 323.6 million barrels last week.

February futures for gained as much as $1.14 to $99.81 per barrel by 12:19 on NYMEX. Brent crude oil advanced from $107.92 to $108.21 per barrel today as of 17:48 GMT on ICE, following the earlier drop to $107.29. Gold retreated from $1,608.80 to $1,604.00 on COMEX.
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The European Union pledged €150 billion to the International Monetary Fund that the IMF will use to help in the battle with the region’s sovereign-debt crisis. The German Business Climate index unexpectedly increased to 107.2 in December from 106.6 in November, while analysts predicted it to drop to 106.2. Spain sold its three- and six-month bills at an auction yesterday, exceeding its maximum target.

The US housing starts increased from 627,000 to 685,000 and the building permits rose from 644,000 to 681,000 in November.

February futures for crude oil delivery advanced $3.19 to $97.24 per barrel on NYMEX. Brent oil was at $107.15 per barrel today as of 3:11 GMT on ICE after jumping from $104.30 to $107.00 yesterday. Gold advanced from $1,615.50 to $1,620.20 per ounce today on COMEX, following yesterday’s rise from $1,596.40 to $1,615.00. Copper traded near its opening level of $3.3720 per pound today, while the metal climbed from $3.3230 to $3.3640 yesterday.
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The dollar was still weaker yesterday as the fundamental reports from the United States were good for the most part and gold attempted to profit from that. Alas, without much success. The good fundamentals are a mixed blessing for the yellow metal. Good macroeconomic data results in less demand for a safe haven, leading to a weaker dollar, but also less need for gold as a refuge.

Gold opened at $1,571.50 per ounce, rallied to $1,592.80 and closed at $1,573.40 on COMEX.
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