02.12. Oil grows as investors are focused on the OPEC + meeting; continuing concerns about the Omicron strain

News for today, December 2nd:

Asian stocks and major currencies were hesitant on Thursday as markets struggled to determine direction due to a lack of reliable information on the new Omicron strain, leading to mixed futures trading in U.S. and European equities. Meanwhile, European stock markets are expected to open lower on Thursday as investors worry about the economic damage the new Covid-19 strain could cause.

Oil prices rose on Thursday, offsetting the previous day's losses as investors adjusted their positions ahead of the OPEC + meeting, which will decide on the supply policy. However, growth was limited by concerns that Omicron would hurt fuel demand. Brent crude oil futures were up 85 cents, or 1.2%, to $ 69.72 by 04:02 GMT, down 0.5% in the previous session. US WTI crude oil futures rose 85 cents, or 1.3%, to $ 66.42 a barrel, after falling 0.9% on Wednesday.

The price of Brent crude is $ 70.09 per barrel, WTI — $ 66.65. EUR/USD is at 1.1317, GBP/USD — 1.3284, gold is at $ 1,775.75 per ounce.­­­­