China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
China Boosts Gold Reserves by 650,000 Ounces as Prices Rally 
Oil Prices Rise as Hormuz Tensions Threaten Supply 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
Jefferies Names 6 Top India Stock Picks Across Key Sectors 
ECB Set for September Rate Hike as Energy Prices Fuel Inflation 
Hungary Industrial Output Beats Forecasts With 4.7% July Growth 
Uranium Prices Could Top $100 as Nuclear Demand Grows 
Iran Vows Tougher Response as U.S. Sanctions Squeeze Economy 
Japan, U.S. Stay Aligned on Yen as Currency Surges 
OPEC+ Expected to Hold October Oil Output Steady 
South Korea GDP Surges on Chip and AI Boom 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Korean Chipmakers Rally 
European Stocks Flat as Iran Tensions, ECB Rate Hike Loom 
China to Inject $45 Billion Into State Financial Institutions 
Japan GDP Growth Beats Forecast, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Bets 
Gold Holds Near $4,400 as Fed Hike Bets Rise 
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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.
