Oil quotes are down for a third day, in response to uncertainty about the prospects for consumption due to weak demand from the oil refining companies, as well as a potential slowdown in economic growth after the decision of the UK to leave the EU.

In the United States, a record demand for gasoline from drivers failed to make much impact on the global surplus of gasoline, which has a negative impact on the profitability.

In focus were also reports that the Norwegian oil workers on Wednesday night broke off negotiations on wages. Industry Energy union said that there is a discussion of the further strategy, the parties are open to negotiations, but the possibility of a strike is not excluded.

Investors are also awaiting the US petroleum inventories data that this week will be publised one day later than usual because of the celebration of Independence Day on Monday. The American Petroleum Institute will release its inventories report today, while government data will be released on Thursday at 15:00 GMT. Analysts expect the US Energy Department report tomorrow to show a reduction of oil reserves by 2.5 million barrels.

"Oil is once again testing key support levels and report on petroleum inventories in the US will be the next important event. Particular attention will be focused on the change in stocks of gasoline." - Ole Hansen commodity strategist at Saxo Bank said. Meanwhile, Petromatrix analysts said that if WTI crude oil will overcome the level of $ 45.8, the next support is located at the $ 43 level.

The cost of the August futures for US light crude oil WTI fell to 46.43 dollars per barrel.

The price of August futures for Brent fell to 47.92 dollars a barrel on the London Stock Exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices rose moderately, reaching the highest in more than two years as stock markets and bond yields decline in profitability, some bonds to record lows prompted investors to actively buy safe assets.

European shares fell, while the yield on 10-year German bonds fell to a record low for a second day, as concerns over the impact of Brexit on economic growth embraced global markets and strengthened demand for safe bonds. "On the market returns panic This is reflected not only on the value of gold, but also in the stock markets.", - Said an analyst at LBBW Torsten Proettel. - Bonds are in the red, and big investors are looking for any opportunity to avoid negative interest rates. Since gold may be more interesting to them. "

Experts point out that the rise in price of gold goes along with the strengthening of the US dollar, as it has happened before in times of elevated levels of risk aversion. However, the pound fell to a new 31-year low against the dollar.

The course of trading was also affected by expectations on the FOMC minutes. Investors hope that the protocols will contain clues about the timing of further increases in interest rates. Recall, the increase in rates usually strengthens the dollar and gold prices which are denominated in US currency becomes more expensive for holders of other currencies.

The assets of the world's largest gold exchange-traded fund SPDR Gold Shares rose yesterday at the fastest pace in more than six years. Inventories increased by 28.8 tons to 982.72 tons, the highest level since June 2013.

The cost of the August gold futures on the COMEX rose to $ 1370.1 per ounce.

This morning, New York crude oil futures for WTI fell -0.04% to $ 46.58 per barrel. At the same time, Brent oil futures were down -0.10% to $ 47.98 per barrel. Thus, the black gold is trading slightly down, amid fears that Brexit can lead to lower oil demand, an extended period of weak global economic growth and maintain a negative trend in the market. Also, to strengthening US dollar is putting pressure on the cost of black gold as oil prices are linked to the most used currency.

(raw materials / closing price /% change)

Oil 46.75 +0.32%

Gold 1,362.40 +0.27%