Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Oil prices slipped slightly in Asian trading on Wednesday, extending losses as escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and a warning from the International Energy Agency (IEA) about a potential supply glut dampened sentiment. Both Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude remained near five-month lows, pressured by fears that renewed trade conflicts could weaken global demand.
Brent crude futures for December edged down 0.2% to $62.26 per barrel, while WTI crude fell 0.2% to $58.18 by 21:39 ET (01:39 GMT). The declines followed a sharp selloff earlier in the week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering market anxiety and a strong response from Beijing. The growing risk of a trade war between the world’s two largest economies fueled concerns of slower global growth and weaker energy consumption.
Adding to the bearish tone, China’s latest inflation data came in weaker than expected, reinforcing signs of persistent economic softness in the world’s biggest oil importer.
Meanwhile, the IEA’s latest monthly report warned that global oil markets could face a significant oversupply by 2026—potentially as much as four million barrels per day. The agency attributed this forecast to increased production, particularly from OPEC members, combined with slower demand growth. The IEA also revised down its demand forecasts for both 2025 and 2026.
In contrast, OPEC’s recent report painted a more optimistic outlook, predicting stronger demand growth and justifying its steady increase in output this year after reversing two years of production cuts. However, the group’s push for market share has fueled fears of an eventual glut amid waning consumption trends.
Despite the bearish backdrop, losses in oil were capped slightly by a weaker U.S. dollar after dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials. Traders now await upcoming U.S. inventory data for further clues on energy demand, particularly as the country grapples with a prolonged government shutdown.
