South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
Citi Forecasts a Volatile but Ongoing Bull Market for S&P 500 in 2026 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Oil prices edged lower in early Tuesday trading after posting gains of more than 2% in the previous session, as commodity markets reacted to weakness in precious metals while remaining sensitive to escalating geopolitical tensions. Investors continue to balance short-term profit-taking against longer-term fears of potential supply disruptions stemming from global conflicts.
Brent crude futures for February delivery, which expire Tuesday, slipped 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $61.73 per barrel in early Asian trading. The more actively traded March Brent contract declined 19 cents, or 0.3%, to $61.30 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also eased, falling 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $57.88 per barrel.
The modest pullback follows a strong rally in the previous session, when both benchmarks climbed over 2% after Russia accused Ukraine of targeting President Vladimir Putin’s residence. That claim heightened concerns about possible supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, even as Kyiv denied the allegations and said they were intended to derail peace negotiations.
According to analysts, the latest decline in oil prices was partly driven by spillover selling from precious metals. Silver and platinum retreated sharply on Monday after reaching record highs, as investors locked in profits following recent rallies. Market participants noted that broad-based corrections in commodities often influence energy prices as well.
Geopolitical risks remain a key factor underpinning oil market sentiment. In addition to tensions in Eastern Europe, traders are monitoring developments in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could support further strikes on Iran if it resumes rebuilding its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs, while also warning Hamas of severe consequences if it fails to disarm amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
Looking ahead, supply fundamentals are also pressuring prices. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, is expected to cut February prices for its Arab Light crude sold to Asian buyers for a third consecutive month, reflecting ample global supply. Analysts warn that a growing oil glut could weigh on prices into the first quarter of 2026, despite persistent geopolitical uncertainty.
