Cost of oil futures rose slightly, as there were signs of stabilization in the relations between Iran and the West, which in turn reduced concerns about the termination of oil supplies from the region.

It should be noted that last week, the price of Brent crude oil rose by about 4 percent, but the rally stopped, because the Iraqi government has intensified security measures.

Recall that in Iraq, producing about 3.5 million barrels a day last month, making it the 2nd largest oil producer in OPEC after Saudi Arabia.

Add that Iraq - not the only problem OPEC exporter. Iran and Libya extract much less possible amount due to the sanctions and internal problems. Also arise from supply disruptions in Nigeria. In addition, production in some countries outside the cartel fell unexpectedly. All hope is now Saudi Arabia, the world's largest exporter. To the oil market remained balanced, it will have to go to a record production levels in the second half.

The course of trade is also affected by expectations of the publication of data on oil reserves in the United States. The American Petroleum Institute will release its report on stocks later today, while a government report, scheduled for Wednesday may show that oil stocks rose 0.3 million barrels in the week ended June 13.

Also, investors are cautious on the eve of the political outcome of the upcoming Fed meeting on Wednesday, which will give an idea about the possible timing of raising interest rates.

Meanwhile, the secretary general of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Abdalla Salem el-Badri said today that the Russian-Ukrainian gas crisis provoked rise in oil prices by 2-3 per barrel According to the head of OPEC, "the market is nervous" because of the possible disruption of gas supplies to Europe. "

"The relationship between Russia and Ukraine is too strong. It - millions of barrels of oil and billions of cubic meters of gas per day. Mutual investments do not allow to solve problems through dialogue as otherwise wise people. The stakes are too high, "- said al-Badri. Yesterday the head of OPEC said that the current between Ukraine and the Russian situation will not affect world prices for gas.

Cost of the August futures on U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) rose to $ 106.45 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

August futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose $ 0.68 to $ 113.67 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices fell sharply, reaching a minimum in this week, and then began to recover, returning with almost all previously lost ground.

The course of trade affected by lower geopolitical tensions in Iraq, the publication of the U.S. data, and expectations of the Fed meeting. Experts note that investors saw signs that the Iraqi government is able to repel Islamist militias. According to media reports, military units subordinated to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, were able to defend the city Baquba, who tried to capture the Islamists. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department holds official talks on the situation in Iraq with Iranian diplomats.

It should be noted that market participants do not consider the geopolitical risks as important as before, and the demand for gold as a safe haven is reduced. Presumably it is financial investors took the recent rise in gold prices to lock in profits as long as possible. It can be assumed due to the outflow of new exchange-traded funds. Data showed the world's largest reserves of gold exchange-traded fund secured SPDR Gold Trust on Monday fell by 4.2 tons to 782.88 tons, approaching a minimum of five years and demonstrating the greatest reduction in nearly two weeks.

We also add that market participants closely monitor statistics on the U.S., trying to predict the next steps of the Fed. More positive data relating to production activity stoked expectations that the U.S. central bank may take a tougher stance on current monetary policy. Against this backdrop, investors get rid of gold, which in terms of growth rates becomes difficult to compete with the assets generating interest income.

The cost of the August gold futures on the COMEX today dropped to $ 1270.7 per ounce.

Gold $1,274.90 -6.60 -0.52%

ICE Brent Crude Oil $112.83 -0.58 -0.51%

NYMEX Crude Oil $106.63 -0.70 -0.65%