Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil prices edged lower in Asian trading Monday as markets reacted to looming U.S. tariffs and developments in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. Brent crude futures for May delivery slipped 0.4% to $71.88 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 0.3% to $67.67.
The decline comes after two straight weeks of gains, fueled by renewed U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil. However, investors are growing cautious ahead of new trade tariffs expected from U.S. President Donald Trump, who plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. Reports indicate a more targeted strategy, focusing on around 15 nations with significant trade imbalances—dubbed the “dirty 15”—which may include G-20 members such as China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. These measures are raising concerns of trade disruptions and broader market volatility.
Meanwhile, hopes for progress in U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine added further pressure on oil. A U.S. delegation is scheduled to meet Russian officials Monday to discuss potential ceasefire efforts in the Black Sea and broader peace strategies. A successful outcome could lead to an increase in Russian oil exports, weighing on global prices.
Capping further losses, OPEC+ reaffirmed plans for additional production cuts by seven member countries to offset prior overproduction. These cuts—ranging from 189,000 to 435,000 barrels per day—will remain in place until June 2026, countering the group’s scheduled production increases starting in April.
Investors continue to monitor geopolitical risks, trade policy shifts, and supply outlooks, all of which remain key drivers for oil market volatility. As markets digest the potential impact of tariffs and the peace talks' outcome, oil prices could see further fluctuations in the short term.
