Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Oil prices rose about 1% in early Asian trading on Monday after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) announced a smaller-than-expected production increase for November, easing market concerns over potential oversupply.
Brent crude futures gained 63 cents, or roughly 1%, to reach $65.16 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 58 cents to $61.46. Analysts attribute the rise to OPEC+’s cautious move to boost output by only 137,000 barrels per day (bpd) next month—matching October’s modest increase.
Independent analyst Tina Teng said the price uptick was mainly driven by OPEC+’s decision to slow the pace of production hikes, aiming to stabilize oil markets after recent declines. However, she noted that crude prices may continue to face downward pressure due to a weakened global economic outlook.
In pre-meeting discussions, Russia pushed for maintaining the 137,000 bpd increase to prevent downward price pressure, while Saudi Arabia favored a larger output boost to regain market share. Despite these differing views, the group ultimately prioritized market balance amid fears of a potential supply glut.
Analysts from ANZ commented that the restrained production rise is “manageable” given ongoing supply disruptions tied to U.S. and European sanctions against Russia and Iran. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s intensified attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, including the Kirishi refinery, one of the country’s largest with an annual capacity exceeding 20 million tonnes, added further uncertainty to global supply stability.
Additionally, the Group of Seven (G7) finance ministers reaffirmed plans to tighten sanctions on Russian oil exports and penalize entities helping Moscow circumvent restrictions. These actions are part of the West’s continued efforts to limit Russia’s energy revenues amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.
With geopolitical tensions rising and economic forecasts softening, oil prices remain caught between tight supply conditions and sluggish global demand, leaving markets braced for continued volatility.
