Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Intel Boosts Malaysia Operations with Additional RM860 Million Investment 
Trump Administration Plans Major Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
South Korea Posts Stronger-Than-Expected 1.3% Economic Growth in Q3 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
South Korea Inflation Edges Up in November as Food and Service Costs Climb 
RBA Signals Possible Rate Implications as Inflation Proves More Persistent 
Dollar Slips as Weak U.S. Manufacturing Data Increases Pressure for Fed Rate Cuts 
U.S. May Withhold $30.4 Million From Minnesota Over Improper Commercial Driver Licenses 
Oil Prices Slip as Russia-Ukraine Peace Hopes Fade and Oversupply Fears Grow 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Japan’s Finance Minister Signals Alignment With BOJ as Rate Hike Speculation Grows 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Japan’s Service Sector Sustains Growth Momentum in November 
OPEC+ is widely expected to maintain its current oil production levels at its upcoming Sunday meetings, according to four sources familiar with the discussions. The alliance, which accounts for nearly half of global oil output, appears to be easing its push to reclaim market share as fears of a potential supply glut weigh on the market.
The meeting comes at a delicate moment, coinciding with renewed U.S. efforts to broker a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. Any breakthrough could lead to a relaxation of sanctions on Russia, potentially adding more barrels to the global supply. Conversely, if negotiations fail, Russia may face even tighter sanctions that could restrict its oil output further. OPEC+ includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and key allies led by Russia.
Global oil benchmarks continue to face downward pressure, with Brent crude ending the week near $63 a barrel, marking a 15% decline so far this year. The drop comes as OPEC+ halted its production hikes for the first quarter of 2026 after previously releasing around 2.9 million barrels per day into the market since April 2025.
Despite those increases, the group still maintains roughly 3.24 million barrels per day of existing production cuts—equivalent to about 3% of global oil demand. Sources indicate that the upcoming meeting is unlikely to change those levels. Instead, delegates are expected to focus on the long-debated issue of establishing updated production capacity assessments that will determine output quotas from 2027 onward.
This discussion has proven contentious. Countries like the United Arab Emirates, which have significantly expanded their production capacity, are pushing for higher quotas. Meanwhile, several African producers facing declining output capabilities oppose any cuts to their existing allotments. Similar disputes contributed to Angola’s departure from OPEC+ in 2024.
Meetings are set to begin at 1300 GMT, with markets closely watching for any signals that could influence future oil supply dynamics.
