Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Oil prices inched up on Monday, supported by mounting geopolitical risks in Europe and the Middle East, though expectations of increased supply and concerns over global demand limited gains.
Brent crude futures rose 0.42% to $66.96 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.32% to $62.88 by 0118 GMT. Analysts noted that reports of Russia threatening action near the Polish border renewed fears over European energy security. Over the weekend, Poland deployed allied aircraft after Russian airstrikes targeted areas close to its border. NATO also reported that Russian jets violated Estonian airspace, while Germany confirmed a Russian military plane entered neutral Baltic Sea airspace. The United Nations Security Council is set to discuss Estonia’s complaint later Monday.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russia’s energy facilities, disrupting terminals and refineries. Adding pressure, U.S. President Donald Trump urged the European Union to halt Russian oil and gas imports.
In the Middle East, four Western nations officially recognized a Palestinian state, sparking sharp criticism from Israel and fueling concerns over stability in the oil-rich region.
Despite the geopolitical uncertainty, oil prices posted weekly declines, with Brent and WTI falling more than 1% on Friday. Market sentiment was weighed down by expectations of higher output from the U.S., OPEC+, and Russia, alongside worries about slowing demand amid trade tariff concerns.
Iraq has already boosted exports, averaging 3.38 million barrels per day (bpd) in August. According to state oil marketer SOMO, September shipments are expected to climb to 3.4–3.45 million bpd as the country unwinds voluntary OPEC+ cuts.
While fears of supply disruptions continue to support prices, the balance between rising production and uncertain demand will likely shape the crude oil market in the coming weeks.
