Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Decision, Iran Tensions, and Inflation Data Weigh on Sentiment 
Trump-Iran Conflict Escalates as Nuclear Talks Stall and Oil Prices Surge 
Yen Strengthens as BOJ Signals Rate Hikes; Asian Currencies Slip Ahead of Fed Meeting 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Fed Holds Rates, Oil Prices Surge, and Big Tech Earnings Drive Market Moves 
Gold Prices Fall as Strong Dollar and Rising Oil Prices Pressure Markets 
BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda Hints at Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Build 
Ukraine Faces Pressure to Introduce VAT on Low-Value Imports to Secure IMF Funding 
Oil Prices Rise Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Deadlock 
Asian Stocks Mixed as BOJ Holds Rates, Oil Prices and Fed Outlook Weigh on Markets 
China’s Ultra-Cheap EV Boom: Why Electric Cars Cost Far Less Than in the U.S. 
Iraq Reaffirms Commitment to OPEC as UAE Exits Amid Global Energy Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Big Tech Earnings and Fed Decision 
US-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Oil Blockade and Rising Global Tensions 
AI Stocks Rally in Asia as Oil Surge and Hawkish Central Banks Shake Global Markets 
European Stocks Slip as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Earnings Season Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Slip Amid UAE’s OPEC Exit and Ongoing Iran Conflict Concerns 
Dollar Holds Near Two-Week High as Fed Hawkish Shift Lifts Yields, Yen Near Intervention Zone 
Oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday, extending a strong rally driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and supply concerns linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict. Brent crude briefly crossed the $120 per barrel mark for the first time since June 2022, highlighting growing anxiety in global energy markets. As of 20:35 ET (00:35 GMT), Brent futures were up 1.5% at $119.75 per barrel after touching an intraday high of $120.34. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.3% to $107.25 per barrel.
The surge in oil prices this week has been fueled by reports that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering an extended naval blockade against Iran. Such a move has intensified fears of further disruption in oil supply, especially as Iran could retaliate by continuing to block the Strait of Hormuz. This critical shipping route handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, making any disruption a major concern for global markets.
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has already slowed significantly since Iran restricted access in late February, contributing to tightening supply conditions. Market sentiment remains highly sensitive as prolonged restrictions could worsen the imbalance between supply and demand, pushing crude oil prices even higher.
Efforts to resolve the crisis remain uncertain. A recent report indicated that the U.S. is attempting to build an international coalition to reopen the waterway, although key allies have shown limited willingness to participate. Frustration has grown within the U.S. administration, with criticism directed at NATO members for their lack of military support.
Diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran have largely stalled due to disagreements over nuclear policy, despite a temporary ceasefire extension. Adding to market complexity, the United Arab Emirates recently announced plans to exit OPEC, though it is unlikely to boost production in the short term due to regional instability.
With geopolitical risks escalating and supply disruptions persisting, oil markets are expected to remain volatile, keeping investors closely focused on developments in the Middle East.
