Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
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.
