U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Oil prices declined on Monday as investor concerns grew over U.S. import tariffs impacting global economic growth and fuel demand. Increased output from OPEC+ also contributed to the bearish sentiment.
Brent crude slipped 0.4% to $70.11 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.4% to $66.76. WTI posted its seventh consecutive weekly decline, the longest since November 2023, and Brent marked its third straight week of losses. The downturn followed U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which raised tensions with key oil suppliers Canada, Mexico, and China. China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. and Canadian agricultural goods.
Market uncertainty deepened with discussions on potential U.S. sanctions relief on Russia’s energy sector, should Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. At the same time, Trump hinted at further sanctions if Russia fails to comply.
OPEC+ confirmed plans to increase oil production starting in April, but Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak suggested a potential policy reversal if market conditions warrant. Meanwhile, Trump's push to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear ambitions faced resistance, as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed external pressure. The U.S. also revoked a waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity, intensifying economic restrictions on Tehran.
Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, analysts see potential support for WTI around $65-$62, predicting a possible rebound to $72. Investors remain cautious as oil markets navigate supply shifts and macroeconomic pressures.
