CL
WTI crude futures declined sharply on Tuesday to fall under $50 a barrel for the first time since early-April, amid an expected build in U.S. crude stockpiles last week. In its weekly Petroleum Status Report, crude inventories rose by 2.5 million barrels for the week ending on July 17. While analysts expected a draw of 2.0 million barrels last week, WTI crude for September delivery traded between $49.35 and $50.80 a barrel, before closing at 49.40, down 2.90% to 49.40.
GOLD
Gold futures plunged further on Wednesday to fresh five-year lows amid a broadly higher dollar, as investors continued to adopt a bearish sentiment to the precious metal.The National Association of Realtors said in a monthly report on Wednesday that existing home sales in June increased 3.0% on a month-to-month basis to an annual rate of 5.50 million units, its highest level since February, 2007. Analysts expected existing home sales to rise to 5.40 million on the month. Gold for August delivery plummeted to 1,085 a troy ounce, its lowest level since February, 2010, before rallying slightly in U.S. afternoon trading. The precious metal settled at $1,092 down 0.95% to close lower for the 10th consecutive session.