Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Crude oil prices slipped in early Asian trading Tuesday, pressured by weaker demand expectations amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China—the world's largest oil consumers. Brent crude futures dropped 25 cents, or 0.4%, to $65.61 per barrel by 0024 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 18 cents, or 0.3%, to $61.87. Both benchmarks had already declined more than $1 on Monday.
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, fueled by President Donald Trump's tariffs on all U.S. imports and retaliatory measures from China, has heightened fears of a global economic slowdown. A majority of economists surveyed by Reuters predict a recession could hit later this year, putting additional downward pressure on oil demand forecasts.
Reflecting these concerns, Barclays cut its 2025 Brent crude price forecast by $4 to $70 per barrel, citing rising trade risks and an expected oil supply surplus of 1 million barrels per day driven by changes in OPEC+ production strategies. Several OPEC+ members are reportedly considering increasing output again in June, potentially exacerbating the supply glut.
Oil market expert Philip Verleger warned that prices could see a sharp decline if exporting countries accelerate production hikes. Meanwhile, U.S. crude stockpiles are projected to have risen by 500,000 barrels for the week ending April 15, according to a preliminary Reuters survey. The American Petroleum Institute (API) will release its inventory data Tuesday, followed by official figures from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday.
