Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Oil prices experienced a slight increase in early trading on Wednesday, driven by ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East conflict. This comes after a significant decline the previous day, where demand concerns led to prices hitting their lowest levels since early October.
Current Oil Price Trends
As of 0250 GMT, Brent crude futures rose by 14 cents (0.2%) to $74.39 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 19 cents (0.3%) to $0.77 per barrel. On Tuesday, oil prices had plummeted over 4%, reaching a near two-week low, primarily due to a weaker demand outlook and reports indicating that Israel would refrain from striking Iranian nuclear and oil facilities, alleviating fears of a potential supply disruption.
Geopolitical and Economic Factors Impacting Oil Prices
Despite this reprieve, concerns remain about escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The U.S. government expressed its opposition to Israel's recent airstrikes in Beirut, underscoring the delicate geopolitical landscape that could affect oil supply.
Market strategist Yeap Jun Rong from IG noted, "Following the recent retracement in prices, we may expect some stabilization as market participants reassess geopolitical developments."
Furthermore, uncertainties surrounding China's fiscal policy contribute to the demand outlook. Local reports suggest that China may issue an additional 6 trillion yuan ($850 billion) in special treasury bonds over three years to stimulate its struggling economy, but this has not yet positively impacted sentiment in the stock market.
Forecasts and Inventory Data
Both the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have revised their global oil demand growth forecasts for 2024 downwards, with China being a significant factor in these adjustments.
Traders will be closely monitoring U.S. oil inventory data, with the American Petroleum Institute's report expected later today and the Energy Information Administration's data due Thursday. Analysts anticipate an increase of approximately 1.8 million barrels in crude stockpiles for the week ending October 11.
