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Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Oil prices rose modestly in Asian trading on Wednesday as escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas reignited fears of Middle East supply disruptions, partially reversing two days of losses. Brent crude futures for December climbed 0.3% to $64.58 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures increased 0.3% to $60.30 by 21:09 ET (01:09 GMT).
The uptick came after Israel launched fresh attacks on Gaza, accusing Hamas of breaching a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement established earlier in October. The renewed conflict raised concerns about potential instability in the region, a key oil transit hub. However, U.S. officials maintained that the ceasefire remained intact, aiming to end over two years of hostilities.
Adding to the bullish sentiment, U.S. sanctions targeting Russian energy exports and industry data showing an unexpected drawdown in U.S. crude inventories supported market optimism. These developments suggested tighter short-term supply, offsetting fears of oversupply from major producers.
Still, market caution prevailed ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy announcement. Investors widely expect the Fed to implement a 25-basis-point interest rate cut following recent data showing cooling inflation. Yet, attention remains on Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks regarding the pace and extent of future rate cuts, which could influence the dollar and, consequently, oil demand. The greenback’s slight strength provided modest support to crude prices.
Despite the rebound, oil markets remain under pressure in 2025 amid concerns of weakening global demand and rising output. Reports suggest that OPEC+ is preparing to ramp up production further, scaling back two years of supply curbs. This potential increase could reintroduce a supply glut, limiting price gains in the months ahead.
