Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Decline Amid Easing Middle East Tensions
Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trading on Monday, driven by reduced fears of a Middle East conflict after Israel’s recent military strike on Iran was less damaging than anticipated.
Impact of Israeli Strike on Oil Prices
Brent Oil Futures for December delivery decreased by 4.1%, settling at $72.97 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 4.2% to $68.76 per barrel as of 19:57 ET (23:57 GMT). Both contracts approached their lowest levels since early October. The Israeli strike targeted several Iranian military installations but notably avoided major oil production and nuclear sites, assuaging fears of a significant escalation that could disrupt oil supplies from this crude-rich region.
Iran’s Response and Ongoing Conflict
While Iran downplayed the attack’s impact, it threatened retaliation. Although the recent strike alleviated concerns about an immediate conflict escalation, the broader situation in the Middle East remains tense, with Israel continuing its offensive against Hamas and Hezbollah.
Upcoming Economic Data Influencing Oil Demand
Beyond geopolitical tensions, this week will see the release of crucial economic data that could further influence global oil demand. Reports on U.S. and eurozone gross domestic product (GDP) are expected soon, alongside the PCE price index, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. Additionally, the Purchasing Managers' Index data from China, the world’s largest oil importer, will provide insights following significant recent stimulus measures.
