Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Oil Prices Decline After Middle East Tensions Surge
Oil prices fell in Asian trading on Monday, following a significant rally last week. Brent crude futures dropped 0.5% to $77.64 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.5% to $73.32 by 00:49 GMT. This decline came after both contracts surged 8%-10% the previous week, primarily driven by heightened tensions in the Middle East and strong U.S. economic data.
Middle East Conflict Fuels Supply Concerns
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has raised concerns over potential oil supply disruptions. Monday marked a year since renewed hostilities, with recent reports indicating Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city. In response, Israel struck targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. There were also reports of possible escalations involving Iran's oil facilities, but analysts at ANZ downplayed the likelihood of major disruptions, citing sufficient market buffers from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
OPEC's Production Policy & Market Dynamics
OPEC maintained its production levels during its recent meeting and reiterated plans to increase output from December. This stability aims to buffer potential supply disruptions from the Middle East.
Demand Signals & Market Focus
Oil markets are closely monitoring demand cues, particularly after China, the world’s largest crude importer, announced economic stimulus measures. Positive U.S. labor market data last week helped boost optimism over demand in the world's largest oil-consuming nation. However, the strong dollar has weighed on crude prices. Investors are now looking to Thursday’s U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for further economic insights.
Conclusion
While oil prices have dipped from profit-taking, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators will continue to shape market trends.
