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 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
Compared to the previous week, this week is less risk heavy. Not many economic data but there are some events scheduled that might trigger volatility in the market.
What to watch for over the coming days:
- Central banks:
Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will announce interest rate decision and outlook on Wednesday.
- US earnings:
Investors would remain focused on the fourth quarter earnings details from the companies listed in S&P 500. This week, about 80 companies listed in S&P 500 are scheduled to announce results including Walt Disney, Tyson Foods, General Motors, Kellogg, and more.
- Trump:
Two weeks under the Trump administration have been kind of a roller-coaster ride. There is little evidence of that slowing down. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to meet Mr. Trump on Friday and they will have plenty to talk about. In recent times, Mr. Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, which was passed by Japanese parliament and criticized Japan of currency manipulation.
- Brexit:
UK’s House of Commons will debate the passed Brexit bill for three days and changes can be made and the final bill will be presented for voting in the House of Lords.
