Brent Oil Tops $100 as Middle East Conflict Threatens Supply 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
Japan, U.S. Stay Aligned on Yen as Currency Surges 
Oil Prices Rally as Brent Nears $100 on U.S.-Iran Escalation 
UK Food Inflation Forecast to Hit 6.4% by Mid-2027 
European Stocks Flat as Iran Tensions, ECB Rate Hike Loom 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Korean Chipmakers Rally 
China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
South Korea GDP Surges on Chip and AI Boom 
US Bans Canadian Alcohol, Motorcycles as Trade War Escalates 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
China to Inject $45 Billion Into State Financial Institutions 
Gold Prices Rebound as Dollar Weakens, Fed Decision Looms 
Japanese Yen Nears Seven-Month High as Oil Approaches $100 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise 
Oil Prices Climb as Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Infrastructure 
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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.
