Investing.com - Here are the top five things you need to know in financial markets on Thursday, December 31:
1. Global stocks mostly lower on last day of the year, oil in focus
Global stock markets were mostly lower on Thursday, the last day of 2015, as investors continued to track movements in the oil market.
Oil prices ticked modestly higher, after falling more than 3% on Wednesday after data showed a surprise buildup in U.S. oil stockpiles.
Holidays limited the damage in Asian markets, with many either closed or shutting early. European shares were lower ahead of a shortened trading session on the last day of 2015. Meanwhile, U.S. markets wrap up the last day of trade for the year on Thursday, and are closed Friday for New Year's Day.
2. WTI oil futures set for yearly loss of 31%, Brent down 36% in 2015
West Texas Intermediate oil futures are on track to post an annual decline of 31% in 2015, while Brent oil prices are down nearly 36%, as oversupply concerns dominated market sentiment for most of the year.
Global crude production is outpacing demand following a boom in U.S. shale oil and after a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries last year not to cut production in order to defend market share.
3. U.S. data ahead
The U.S. is to produce weekly data on initial jobless claims at 8:30AM ET, followed by a report on manufacturing activity in the Chicago region at 9:45AM. A recent run of mixed economic data failed to offer clues as to how fast the Fed will raise rates next year.
4. Gold on track to end 2015 with an 11% annual loss
Gold is on track to post an annual decline of approximately 11% in 2015, the third yearly loss in a row, as speculation over the timing of a Fed rate hike dominated market sentiment for most of the year.
With the first U.S. rate hike since 2006 out of the way, the focus is now on the pace of future rate increases. The Federal Reserve, from its forecasts, is anticipating four rate hikes next year.
Rising interest rates historically have been bad news for gold, which can't compete with the higher interest rates offered by other assets.
5. Natural gas futures surge 6% ahead of storage data
U.S. natural gas prices surged 6% on Thursday, after falling 6.5% in the prior session. The market swings were likely related to thin year-end trade accentuating fluctuations.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration will publish its weekly storage report at 10:30AM ET on Thursday, amid expectations for a withdrawal of 57 billion cubic feet for the week ending December 25.
That compares with a drawdown of 32 billion cubic feet in the prior week, 26 billion cubic feet in the same week last year, while the five-year average change for the week is a drawdown of 98 billion cubic feet.