Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
ECB's Kocher Says No Inflation Spillover Yet From Iran Conflict, Warns Risks Remain 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
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.
