Oil Rises After Worst Month Since July as OPEC Members Gather

Oil rose in New York after its biggest monthly decline since July as OPEC ministers arrive in Vienna ahead of this week’s policy meeting. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 0.5 percent. Saudi Arabia will discuss all issues and listen to concerns of other members at the Friday gathering, said the nation’s Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped more than its quota in November, exceeding...

Gold Settles Lower as Investors Look for Hints on Fed Decision

Gold futures settled with a loss on Tuesday as investors looked toward upcoming U.S. labor market data and comments from Federal Reserve officials for clues on whether the central bank will decide to lift interest rates when it meets later this month. Gold for February delivery on Comex fell $1.80, or 0.2%, to settle at $1,063.50 an ounce after posting gains in the previous session, while March silver finished less than half a cent...

U.S. Stocks Rally Amid Favorable December Trend Following Lull

U.S. stocks rallied to begin what has historically been the strongest month of the year for global equities, breaking out of a lull that held the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to its narrowest monthly move in six years as investors await December monetary policy decisions. The benchmark index added less than 0.1 percent in November as signs of a strengthening economy offset concerns of an imminent interest-rate increase. The gauge...

U.S. Stocks Rise With Treasuries as Data Boost Bets on Slow Hike

U.S. stocks rose with Treasuries while the dollar weakened as tepid manufacturing data in major economies boosted the prospects for continued central-bank support. The dollar slipped from a seven-month high versus the euro on speculation the Federal Reserve’s first rate increase in nearly a decade has been priced in, while yields on 10-year Treasury notes slipped on expectations subsequent hikes will be gradual. The Standard & Poor’s...

European Shares Fall From 3-Month High After U.S. Manufacturing

European equities closed lower, dropping from a three-month high, after U.S. factory data raised concern that the world’s largest economy may not be strong enough to withstand higher borrowing costs. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index reversed an earlier gain to end the day down 0.3 percent. Manufacturing in the U.S. unexpectedly contracted in November at the fastest pace since the last recession. The move came after the Stoxx 600 climbed for...