Opinions

For now, central banks' liquidity support, starting with the US Federal Reserve, have underpinned valuations in this low-yield environment

The biggest risk to rising precious metal prices is the potential that a major trade deal between the US and China will reduce expectations for how much US rates will have to fall.

The conclusion drawn from last week's economic data releases is that the US economy is showing signs of a slowdown, but not enough to fall into an imminent recession.

In the past three months alone, the Greenback has risen 3% and while President Trump is not happy with its valuation, the rally does not look over yet

An appreciating greenback is another theme that could obstruct oil's upside gains.

As it stands, US oil producers suffer from higher costs of oil extraction but enjoy geopolitical stability, while Middle Eastern producers have some of the lowest production costs but suffer a lack thereof

Markets are at risk however of reading too much into Juncker's comment, and it remains to be seen whether the Pound can push on from current levels.

While we have already seen in the past few days how sensitive oil prices can behave to geopolitical developments, if an escalation does flare up in the region, volatility can spread into other asset classes

Driven by intense bouts of safe haven buying, the precious metal sped ahead, rising by 5 percent in August

Negative-yielding bonds, contracting PMIs, overpriced shares, and a possible recession on the horizon leave plenty holding their breath to see if the ECB lives up to easing expectations