Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Oil prices extended their rally for a fourth consecutive session on Thursday amid rising fears of global supply shortages and escalating geopolitical tensions. Investors reacted to U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a rapid resolution to the war in Ukraine and threats of heavy tariffs on nations purchasing Russian crude.
Brent crude futures for September delivery, expiring Thursday, rose 0.4% to $73.51 per barrel by 0028 GMT. The more active October Brent contract gained 0.4% to $72.76. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) September crude rose 0.5% to $70.37. Both benchmarks closed 1% higher in the previous session.
Market sentiment was bolstered by Trump’s comments that secondary tariffs of up to 100% could be imposed on countries importing Russian oil unless Moscow shows progress toward ending the conflict within 10–12 days. The administration also warned China, the top buyer of Russian crude, of potential sanctions and confirmed a 25% tariff on U.S. imports from India starting Friday.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury introduced new sanctions targeting over 115 Iran-linked individuals, firms, and vessels, intensifying its “maximum pressure” campaign following strikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites in June. China, also a major buyer of Iranian oil, is directly affected by the measures.
Despite supply concerns, U.S. crude inventories surged by 7.7 million barrels to 426.7 million last week, according to Energy Information Administration data, far exceeding expectations of a 1.3 million-barrel draw. Gasoline stocks, however, dropped by 2.7 million barrels, signaling robust summer driving demand. Analysts suggest the inventory build was offset by stronger gasoline consumption, leaving overall market sentiment neutral.
Global oil markets remain volatile as geopolitical tensions and tariff threats continue to influence pricing trends.
