Several independent US oil producers are expected to sign production cooperation agreements with Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA this Tuesday, and related matters are close to being finalized. According to three people familiar with the matter, the signing ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday evening in Houston. The conclusion of this series of agreements will most likely signify a significant increase in US participation in Venezuela's energy sector.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1,710.00/oz level, now quoted at $1,708.00/oz, down 3.54% on the day; Nymex main platinum futures currently quoted at $1,719.8/oz, down 3.86% on the day.

According to statistics released by the American Petroleum Institute (API), US API crude oil inventories decreased by 328,000 barrels in the past week, compared to an increase of 9.072 million barrels the previous week.

Spot gold has just surpassed the $4,330.00/ounce threshold, now quoted at $4,329.47/ounce, down 1.97% on the day; COMEX gold futures' main contract is currently quoted at $4,385.60/ounce, down 1.97% on the day.

The Dow Jones closed down 0.22%, the Nasdaq fell 1.33%, and the S&P 500 dropped 0.69%. Among the actively traded stocks, Micron Technology fell 7.02%, SanDisk dropped 9.01%, Nvidia declined 2.34%, while Apple rose 1.45%.