Gold and silver edge higher leading into the European open

 LONDON (Mar 4)  Gold (0.13%) and silver (0.15%) moved higher overnight leading into the European session. There was more risk-off market sentiment as Russia attacked a Ukrainian nuclear facility. In the rest of the commodities complex, copper is 1.65% higher and spot WTI is another 1% in the black. 

Indices were weaker overnight as the Nikkei 225 (-2.23%), ASX (-0.57%), and Shanghai Composite (-0.96%) all closed lower. Futures in Europe are indicating a negative cash open. 

In FX markets, EUR/USD was the biggest mover as the issues in Ukraine remain prevalent. The pair fell 0.46% to break the previous wave lows on the daily chart. In the crypto space, there was also weakness in BTC/USD as it fell 2.60% to reach $41,354.

News from overnight:

The U.K. is seeking a UN Security Council meeting re Russia's attack on the nuclear power plant.

Ukraine says fire at the nuclear plant has been extinguished.

Ukrainian President Zelensky said an attack on nuclear facilities could be the "end of Europe"

U.K. Times reports that Ukraine's Zelensky survives three assassination attempts in days.

Canada's PM Trudeau says "unacceptable attacks by Russia must cease immediately".

U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham calls for the assassination of Russian President Putin.

China-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank suspends activities in Russia, Belarus.

Fed's Williams says the Bank must be data-dependent & transparent.

U.S.' Raimondo says examining if tariff exclusions could help lower inflation.

BoC Governor Macklem - expresses confidence inflation will fall to 2% in time.

Germany's January trade balance €9.4 billion vs €6.1 billion expected.

Looking ahead to the rest of the session highlights include EZ retail sales, EZ construction PMI, and the U.S. labor market report. 

KITCO