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 
US Inflation Expected to Ease in June, but Fed Rate Hike Risks Persist Amid Middle East Tensions 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Oil Prices Set for Weekly Surge as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Supply Fears 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Brazil Weighs IP Curbs, Patent Suspensions After New U.S. Tariffs 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Oil prices fell over 1% on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump urged OPEC to reduce oil prices to pressure Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Brent crude dropped 1.11% to $77.63 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 1.19% to $73.77.
Trump reiterated his demand for OPEC to lower prices, arguing it would hurt Russia’s revenues and help end the conflict in Ukraine. He threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and OPEC countries if a resolution isn't reached. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to discuss oil prices and the war with Trump.
OPEC and its allies, including Russia, have not formally responded to Trump’s comments, maintaining plans to raise output starting in April. Despite recent price declines, analysts believe Russian production will remain stable. Goldman Sachs noted higher shipping rates and discounts on Russian oil continue to attract buyers, mitigating sanctions' impact.
JP Morgan analysts highlighted risks, with nearly 20% of the global Aframax fleet affected by sanctions, suggesting a cautious approach to future price projections.
Additional trade disruptions loom as Trump announced retaliatory tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, the largest exporter of crude to the U.S., after it blocked two U.S. military deportation flights. Colombia accounted for 183,000 barrels per day of U.S. seaborne imports in 2024, comprising 41% of its total exports.
The Energy Information Administration reported the U.S. imported 228,000 barrels per day of Colombian crude and related products in 2023. As tensions escalate, the energy market faces continued volatility and uncertainty.
