Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan Coalition Urges BOJ Independence as Sales Tax Cut Plan Advances 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
U.S. Inflation Cools in January as Gas Prices Fall, Core CPI Signals Sticky Price Pressures 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
Oil Prices Steady as Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks and OPEC+ Output Plans Shape Market Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key CPI Inflation Data 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
Gold Prices Steady Above $5,000 as Markets Eye Fed Minutes and PCE Inflation Data 
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, while also weighing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflict in the strategically important oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures slipped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $70.23 per barrel by 0110 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.11 per barrel. Despite the minor pullback, both oil benchmarks closed more than 4% higher on Wednesday, marking their strongest settlement levels since January 30. The surge reflected growing concerns over potential oil supply disruptions linked to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
Market analysts note that while geopolitical risks remain elevated, traders are adopting a cautious stance. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities Investment, said that although tensions between Washington and Tehran persist, investors generally believe a full-scale military conflict is unlikely. He added that any potential U.S. military response would likely involve limited, short-term air strikes rather than a prolonged confrontation. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is widely seen as reluctant to allow a significant spike in crude oil prices.
Diplomatic discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly made limited progress this week. The White House indicated that negotiations are ongoing, with Iran expected to present further details in the coming weeks. However, Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches in southern regions, while the U.S. has deployed warships near Iranian waters. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington is evaluating whether to continue diplomatic engagement or pursue alternative measures.
Meanwhile, global energy markets are also tracking the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as peace talks concluded without significant progress. On the supply side, American Petroleum Institute data showed declines in U.S. crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories last week, contrary to expectations for a crude stock build. Traders now await official U.S. Energy Information Administration data for further direction in the volatile oil market.
