(Kitco News) - Global stock markets were mixed to firmer in quiet trading Tuesday. London markets remained closed Tuesday for the Christmas holiday. There were no major, markets-moving news events overnight, to begin this holiday-shortened trading week.
U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly higher openings when the New York day session begins.
Gold prices are posting decent gains, on some bargain hunting and short covering following recent selling pressure that drove prices to a 10-month low last week.
The key "outside markets" on Tuesday see Nymex crude oil prices trading slightly higher. Oil market watchers are waiting to see if OPEC and Russia oil producers can stick to their agreed-upon plan to reduce production. The plan goes into effect January 1. Nymex crude oil bulls have struggled a bit with prices trading above $50.00 a barrel. Meantime, the U.S. dollar index is slightly higher and trading not far below its 13-year high scored last.
U.S. economic data due for release Tuesday includes the S&P Case-Shiller home price index, the consumer confidence index, the Richmond Fed business survey, and the Texas manufacturing outlook survey.
By Jim Wyckoff, contributing to Kitco News;
[email protected]Follow Jim Wyckoff @jimwyckoff for breaking market news.