Iran Strikes Oil Tanker Near Dubai Amid U.S. Threats and Ongoing Middle East Conflict 
Oil Prices Dip as Trump Eyes Iran De-escalation, Hormuz Closure Persists 
Japan Business Sentiment Rises as Iran War Fuels Inflation Fears, BOJ Rate Hike Looms 
U.S. Dollar Posts Strong Monthly Gain Amid Middle East Conflict Despite Late Dip 
Dollar Surges to Nine-Month High as Middle East Tensions Drive Safe-Haven Demand 
U.S. Trade Rep Dismisses WTO's Future Role After Failed Cameroon Summit 
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South Korea's $17.3 Billion Emergency Budget Targets Oil Price Surge 
Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
Gold Prices Rebound in Asia Amid Iran War Ceasefire Hopes 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions and BOJ Signals 
U.S. Stock Futures Surge After WSJ Report on Trump's Iran War Exit Strategy 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
Asian Stocks Surge on Trump's Iran War Comments and Dip-Buying 
Oil Prices Surge to Record Monthly Highs as Middle East War Rattles Global Markets 
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.
