Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Oil prices gained more than 1% in early Asian trading on Monday as traders reacted to OPEC+’s decision to maintain output cuts and growing geopolitical risks that could threaten global crude supply. Brent crude futures for February advanced 1.2% to $63.13 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose 1.2% to $59.27.
The latest boost in crude prices came after OPEC and its allies confirmed they will hold production levels steady through the first quarter. The alliance is keeping voluntary cuts of about 3.24 million barrels per day in place as it navigates uneven global demand and concerns about a potential surplus heading into 2026. The group also moved forward with plans to review members’ maximum production capacities between January and September 2026, a step analysts say could spark internal disputes as countries push for higher baselines to secure greater future quotas.
Market sentiment was further influenced by renewed supply concerns tied to rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he is considering closing Venezuelan airspace, intensifying fears of disruptions to the country’s roughly 800,000 barrels per day in oil exports, most of which are shipped to China. Analysts warn that any escalation could place a significant share of Venezuelan crude at risk.
Additional support for oil prices came from attacks over the weekend targeting Russian energy infrastructure. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) reported a suspension of loadings at its Novorossiysk terminal after a naval drone strike damaged a mooring point. The pipeline, which has transported an average of 1.48 million barrels per day this year, plays a critical role in moving Kazakh and Russian crude through the Black Sea. Any prolonged disruption could tighten global supply further, adding upward pressure to oil markets.
Overall, traders remain focused on the delicate balance between supply risks and uncertain demand as geopolitical tensions and strategic production decisions continue to influence crude price movements.
