ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Oil Prices Ease as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Peace Deal and Strait of Hormuz Reopening 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Oil prices moved higher on Friday as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran heightened fears of potential supply disruptions in global energy markets. Investors reacted after Washington warned that Tehran could face severe consequences if it fails to reach a nuclear agreement within 10 to 15 days. The renewed geopolitical uncertainty pushed Brent crude futures up 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $71.87 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 23 cents, or 0.4%, to $66.66 per barrel.
On Thursday, both benchmarks settled at their highest levels in six months after President Donald Trump cautioned that “really bad things” could occur if Iran does not agree to curb its nuclear program. Although Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful, the U.S. believes otherwise, increasing the risk of further diplomatic strain or possible conflict.
Adding to market concerns, Iran announced plans for joint naval exercises with Russia shortly after temporarily closing the Strait of Hormuz for military drills. The strategic waterway, which borders Iran and the oil-rich Arabian Peninsula, handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could significantly tighten global crude supply and drive oil prices even higher.
Supply-side factors also supported the recent rally in crude oil prices. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. crude inventories fell by 9 million barrels last week as refinery utilization and exports increased. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s oil exports declined to 6.988 million barrels per day in December, marking the lowest level since September, based on data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative.
In Asia, Japan’s core consumer inflation slowed to 2.0% in January, the weakest pace in two years. Softer inflation may delay potential interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. Lower interest rates in major oil-importing nations like Japan are generally viewed as supportive for global oil demand and crude prices, reinforcing the bullish sentiment in energy markets.
