Prices for WTI crude oil declined moderately , after a government report showed that U.S. crude inventories rose more than expected last week. In addition, the fall in prices was due to speculation that the Federal Reserve today announced reduction of the volume of economic incentives. The cost of oil brand Brent, meanwhile, rose slightly .

According to the Department of Energy on changes in stocks in the U.S. for the week January 20-26 :

- Crude oil inventories in the U.S. 6.421 million barrels to 357.645 million barrels

- Stocks of gasoline in the U.S. -0,819,000 barrels to 234.446 million barrels

- Distillate stocks in the U.S. -4,584,000 barrels to 116.154 million barrels

- In the U.S. refinery utilization to 88.2 % against 86.5 % a week earlier

Many experts expect that oil will rise significantly less , namely 2.25 million also predicted that distillate stocks fall to 2.55 million , while gasoline inventories rise by 1.6 million barrels .

"Inventories of crude oil rising, which indicates a weak fundamental picture ," said Gene McGillian , an analyst and broker at Tradition Energy in Stamford . " There are fears that the reduction of QE by the Fed can affect economic growth ."

We also recall that yesterday its reserves data voiced Institute of oil API. They showed :

- Oil reserves for the week 4.7 million barrels

- Distillate stocks last week 1.8 million barrels

- Gasoline inventories last week 0.363 million barrels

- Capacity utilization in the week 88.3% against 87.9 %

With regard to the outcome of the Federal Open Market Committee Federal Reserve , most analysts believe that will be announced reductions of the QE program by 10 billion - to $ 65 billion per month .

Meanwhile, adding that a further fall in prices was capped yield positive data in Germany. According to research by analyst firm Gfk, outpacing the consumer confidence index in Germany in February rose to 8.2 points from 7.7 points in January . The index has exceeded the expectations of analysts, forecast figure of 7.8 points.

March futures price for U.S. light crude oil WTI (Light Sweet Crude Oil) fell to $ 97.08 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

March futures price for North Sea Brent crude oil mixture rose 34 cents to $ 107.78 a barrel on the London exchange ICE Futures Europe.

Gold prices rose significantly today as stock markets lost previously won positions in anticipation of the announcement of the outcome of the meeting of the Federal Reserve System . Many traders are waiting for news about the fact that the U.S. central bank will do its program of bond purchases , known as quantitative easing.

Fed policy is expected to announce a reduction of monthly purchases of Treasury and mortgage-backed securities to $ 5 billion , bringing the total monthly volume of asset purchases will be at the level of $ 65 billion . Recall that expectations about what the Fed will reduce emergency measures to stimulate the U.S. economy, which were introduced in the wake of the global financial crisis , have been a major factor in the fall in gold prices (last year the price of the precious metal fell by 28 per cent) .

Although a steady decline in the volume of QE now, mainly reflected in market prices , any indication that this change will be faster or slower than expected, can significantly affect the price of gold.

Precious metal recovered losses that were recorded in the first half of today's trading , as rising stock markets plays out on the news that the recovery in emerging markets is likely to be short-lived.

"The decline in the U.S. stock markets improved mood and appeal of gold as a safe investment ," - said an investment analyst at Phillip Futures Joyce Liu . Gold is considered a more reliable alternative to risky assets such as stocks . But Liu warned of the possibility of correction in prices approaching resistance level $ 1,275 per ounce.

I also add that the Chinese gold purchases slowed down this week as traders and consumers are beginning to prepare for the Lunar New Year, which starts on January 31. Chinese Gold Award for 99.99 fine on the Shanghai Gold Exchange have fallen to about $ 5.50 per ounce on Wednesday from $ 7 in the previous session. Recall that in early January, they were above $ 20. Trading volume on Wednesday was a little over 8 tons - the lowest since Dec. 31.

Cost February gold futures on the COMEX today rose to $ 1264.90 per ounce.