South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Oil Prices Rebound After Sharp Decline
Oil prices rose in Asian markets on Wednesday, recovering from the previous session's 4% drop. The decline followed reports of the Lebanese group Hezbollah seeking a ceasefire with Israel, hinting at possible de-escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
U.S. Inventory Surge Limits Gains
Despite the recovery, oil prices faced pressure due to a significant build in U.S. oil inventories. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a 10.9 million barrels increase, far exceeding expectations of 1.95 million barrels. This raised concerns over weakening U.S. fuel demand, especially in the wake of hurricanes affecting the mid-South.
Hurricane Milton and Oil Supply Concerns
Traders also monitored Hurricane Milton, a category-5 storm expected to make landfall in Florida. While the hurricane is unlikely to impact Gulf of Mexico oil operations, any potential disruptions are being closely watched.
Middle East Conflict Remains a Key Factor
The Middle East conflict continues to influence oil prices. Reports of a potential ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel could ease concerns over oil supply disruptions. However, tensions remain high, with the possibility of further escalations in the region.
Conclusion
Oil prices are reacting to a combination of U.S. inventory data, global supply concerns, and geopolitical tensions. While prices saw a slight recovery, market volatility is expected to continue in the near term.
