Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Fed’s Dovish Tone Sends Dollar Lower as Markets Price In More Rate Cuts 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
Oil prices slipped in Asian trading on Monday, extending last week's losses as weak U.S. economic data fueled concerns over slowing demand. Brent crude fell 0.3% to $74.24 per barrel, while WTI declined 0.4% to $69.97.
Recent U.S. data pointed to a potential economic slowdown, weighing on oil markets. February’s Services PMI dropped to 50.4 from 52.7 in January, signaling weaker private-sector growth. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index hit a 15-month low at 64.7, reflecting inflation worries and proposed tariffs.
Investors are also closely watching peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which could impact global energy markets. The U.S. is mediating talks, with President Donald Trump engaging in high-level discussions. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on Ukraine’s direct involvement. A peace deal could ease sanctions on Russian energy exports, boosting oil supply and potentially lowering natural gas prices in Europe.
Despite the dip, supply disruptions limited further losses. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) saw reduced oil flows of 30-40% after a Ukrainian drone struck Russia’s Kropotkinskaya pumping station. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is considering postponing planned production hikes initially set for April, further tightening supply.
With economic concerns dampening demand and geopolitical factors influencing supply, oil markets remain volatile. Investors will monitor upcoming economic reports and diplomatic developments for further price direction.
