South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
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 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
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.
