Risk appetite and OPEC+ expectations

News of the day, Wednesday, December 29th:

As investors glanced aside growing instances of Omicron in another bout of risk appetite, the euro sank in weak holiday trading on Wednesday, while the dollar sent the yen to a one-month low. As stocks rose, risk-sensitive currencies such as the Australian dollar rose, but the euro bucked the trend and fell.

Investors are looking forward to an OPEC+ meeting on Jan. 4 to see if the alliance will proceed with a planned production rise. After climbing overnight, oil prices pushed higher as industry data revealed a drop in US stocks, increasing demand sentiment.

On Wednesday, European stocks rose for the third straight session, powered by banks and retail stocks, despite growing coronavirus infections fueling concerns about the economy's prospects for next year.

The price of Brent crude is $79.16 per barrel, WTI ­— $75.90. EUR/USD is at 1.1315, GBP/USD – 1.3434, gold is at 1,800.65 per ounce.