Lower Open Likely For US Markets: Oil Down, Gold Steady

A lower open likely for the U.S markets Monday after major U.S. stock indices showed a decline as investors turned attention to the Sino-U.S trade talks and other developments relating to global economic growth.

At around 1:45 a.m. ET, Dow futures slid 31 points, hinting a negative open of more than 32 points. The S&P and Nasdaq futures were also marginally down.

However, 6:30 a.m. ET, there was a surge in Dow futures and may hold a positive open of more than 65 points. The futures on the S&P and Nasdaq also perked up moderately.

A section of investors also harbors concerns over another government shutdown, as Democrats and Republicans are yet to agree on the border wall funding issue.

Earnings reports are expected from Restaurant Brands International, CNA Financial Corporation, Kemper, FMC Corporation and Livent Corporation.

Oil falls

Monday saw fall in oil prices fell around 1 percent after the United States expanded drilling activity by adding more rigs.

The U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $52.09 per barrel at 0347 GMT, down 1.2 percent, from their last settlement. International Brent crude oil futures also slipped 0.8 percent, at $61.61 a barrel.

Many U.S energy firms added new oil rigs, said a report of Baker Hughes. Further fall in oil prices was checked by the U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s state-owned oil firm PDVSA.

“The issues in Venezuela continue to support prices. Reports are emerging that PDVSA is scrambling to secure new markets for its crude after the U.S. placed additional sanctions on the country,” said ANZ bank.

Gold prices steady

Meanwhile, gold prices stood firm on Monday, as uncertainties over China -U.S. trade war talks loomed and concerns over slowing global economic growth existed.

However, a stronger U.S. dollar checkmated a new price spurt of the yellow metal. Spot gold price was $1,313 per ounce at 0059 GMT. U.S. gold futures firmed up at $1,317 per ounce.

European stocks jumped on Monday morning, with market participants exuding hope on the U.S.-China trade talks in Beijing this week.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 soared around 0.9 percent during early morning deals, with all sectors staying in positive territory. The banking index led the gains and had a 1.3 percent jump after the opening bell.

On Monday, Markets in Asia showed mixed trends as investors looked for new developments on the U.S.-China trade front.

The Chinese markets, back from a week-long Lunar New Year holidays, made visible gains. The Shanghai composite shot up 1.36 percent while the Shenzhen composite too gained 2.8 percent.

Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was up 0.6 percent in the last hour of trade as Chinese tech giant Tencent gained 1.97 percent.