The price of oil continued to decline today, while reaching the lowest level since May 2009 (WTI) amid rising supplies from Russia and Iraq, as well as the decrease in activity in the manufacturing sector in China and Europe.

"The increase in production in North America was a key event last year - said Michael Haile of LPS Partners Inc. New York. - "As a result, the market has reached a tipping point, when production exceeds demand. It has a very negative impact on the economy of Russia, Iran, Venezuela. But it is clear that the global economy is a long-term positive factor. "

As it became known, the official index of business activity in the manufacturing sector in China in December fell to 50.1 against 50.3 in November. The index was above economists' forecasts of 50.0. The official PMI non-manufacturing areas of China in December was 54.1 versus 53.9 in November.

Meanwhile, the euro zone manufacturing activity grew at a slower pace than previously estimated in December, showed the final data from Markit Economics. The final manufacturing purchasing managers index, or PMI Eurozone rose to 50.6, which is less than was originally estimated 50.8 points from 50.1 in November. Production increased at the slowest speed in the current period, half of the annual expansion. New orders rebounded slightly after four months of decline. "Performance in the three largest economies remained restrained in December," said Markit, while the manufacturing industry in France and Italy continued to decline, and the activity in Germany remained low.

Market participants also continued to analyze data on oil reserves in the United States. Recall commercial oil reserves in the US last week fell by 1,754 thousand. Barrels - up to 385,455 million barrels. Gasoline inventories rose by 2,951 thousand. Barrels and amounted to 229,048 million barrels. Commercial distillate inventories rose by 1,874 thousand. Barrels, reaching 125,721 million. Barrels. Economists had expected an increase of oil reserves by 900 thousand. Barrels, gasoline inventories growth for 2000 thousand. Barrels and distillate stocks increase for 2000 thousand. Barrels.

On the dynamics of trade have also influenced the US PMI data. A report published by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), showed that in December, activity in the US manufacturing sector has deteriorated, and was lower than the forecasts of economists who had expected only a slight reduction in the index. PMI index for the US manufacturing fell in December to 55.5 against 58.7 in November. A reading above 50 indicates expansion of industrial activity. Note that the last value was below the estimates of experts - is expected to decrease to 58.6.

The cost of the February futures on US light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) dropped to 53.20 dollars per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

February futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mix fell $ 0.53 to $ 56.81 a barrel on the London Stock Exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices rose sharply, returning with all previously lost positions today, as the drop in European stock indices increased demand for safe assets. However, the precious metal again closes week lower, mainly due to the strengthening of the dollar.

The dollar is generally supported after strong data strengthened further optimism about the strength of the US economic recovery and emphasized expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next year. High interest rates to stimulate the US national currency and putting pressure on gold, has received support from the central bank liquidity and low interest rates after the 2008 financial crisis.

"Gold prices have not changed at the end of 2014, which was quite impressive, considering the fact that the dollar during this period went up by 12 percent - said a senior manager Ole Hansen Saxo Bank. But as long as we continue to see the expectations associated with growth dollar, investors will not look at gold as an investment opportunity. "

It is worth emphasizing, trading volume today is lower than usual, as the Chinese and Japanese markets were closed for the holidays.

The course of trading also influenced statements of the ECB Draghi, who acknowledged the high risk that the ECB will not be able to fulfill its mandate. As he pointed out, to fulfill the mandate under which the ECB should be the guarantor of price stability, it has become more difficult than six months ago, while reaffirming its commitment to action at the beginning of this year, if circumstances so require.

Meanwhile, data showed that inventories in SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold exchange-traded funds, fell 0.25 percent on Wednesday, reaching a new six-year low 709.02 tons. By the end of 2014 stocks fell by 140 tonnes, which is significantly less than the outflow to 460 tons in 2013.

The cost of the February gold futures on the COMEX today rose by $ 6.1 to 1190.00 dollars per ounce.