Day-ahead base load electricity prices in Germany and France fell, with a slight difference in the decline.

According to a recent US semiconductor Q3 earnings preview report released by Smart Finance APP, Goldman Sachs has made a clear judgment: most sub-sectors within the semiconductor ecosystem will experience upward earnings revisions, and the risk-reward ratio has significantly improved.

The UK Office of Communications (OFCOM) has launched an investigation into whether Meta Platforms (META.US) failed to fulfill its obligations under the UK Online Safety Act. The probe will assess whether Meta evaluated risks related to illegal content and risks faced by children before introducing instant messaging features on Instagram.

(1) Gold prices saw a slight increase during early European trading, as markets focused on U.S. Treasury yields, the dollar’s performance, and fiscal and political turmoil in the eurozone. (2) Analysts at ING noted that with growing fiscal concerns in Europe, investors have sought safe-haven assets, which has driven gold prices modestly higher. (3) The analyst also pointed out that elevated U.S. Treasury yields, continued inflation worries, and a stronger dollar could cap the upside for gold. (4) After the latest U.S. inflation and economic data release, expectations for another Fed rate hike have cooled. (5) The CME "FedWatch" tool indicates traders currently see about a 22% chance of a rate hike in October. (6) Easing rate hike expectations have removed a key headwind for gold. (7) Going forward, attention should be paid to U.S. economic data, the direction of the dollar, and European fiscal conditions to determine whether gold prices can sustain their rebound.

(1) The CEO of Norway's national oil company stated that there is increasing willingness to sign long-term natural gas contracts. (2) Some European natural gas customers have already signed contracts that are valid through the 2040s. (3) This indicates that, due to supply security concerns, European buyers prefer to secure long-term gas sources. (4) The CEO also mentioned that the company is working closely with Norwegian authorities and NATO to protect gas pipelines and address cyber risks. (5) Infrastructure security and supply stability have become major focus areas in the European natural gas market. (6) Going forward, it is important to monitor the scale of long-term contract signings and the potential impact of pipeline safety developments on European gas prices.