News Summary

The dollar was set to end 2014 close to seven-year highs against the yen and two-year highs against the euro, amid expectations for a rate hike by the Federal Reserve next year. In contrast, central banks in Japan and Europe are likely to continue to loosen monetary policy to combat slowing growth and inflation. The Russian ruble tumbled to record lows in December, driven lower by a "perfect storm" of Western sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine, falling oil prices and a looming recession. The ruble’s collapse triggered widespread volatility in world markets in December, with U.S. stocks falling, U.S. Treasury bonds rallying and other commodity-exposed currencies also weakening. Despite recent losses, U.S. stocks are set to end the year close to all-time highs after central banks in Europe, Japan and China announced measures to stimulate flagging growth this year. Oil prices have roughly halved in value since reaching 2014 highs in June on ample supply as a result of the U.S. shale boom and slowing demand, and after exporter group OPEC refused to cut output to support prices. Gold prices dropped to a four-year low in November as U.S. stocks rallied to record highs and the outlook for the precious metal looks likely to remain weaker on the back of the strengthening U.S. economy. Commodity markets have benefited from the Federal Reserve’s monetary easing program in recent years and could come under pressure if it tightens monetary policy.