China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Oil prices dipped in early trading on Monday, following their largest weekly surge in over a year, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude futures fell by 0.5% to $77.62 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 0.5% to $74.03 per barrel.
Last week, Brent saw an 8% weekly gain—the most since January 2023—while WTI surged 9.1%, its largest increase since March 2023.
Independent analyst Tina Teng noted that the recent price dip is likely due to "profit-taking" after last week’s rally. However, fears of an escalating conflict between Israel and Iran continue to push oil prices higher. "Geopolitical tensions are now playing a key role in shaping market trends," Teng said.
Escalation in Middle East Tensions
On Sunday, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, approaching the first anniversary of Hamas' attacks that led to ongoing conflict. Iran also launched missile attacks on Israel in response to Israeli actions in the region, increasing market uncertainty.
Geopolitical Risks and Oil Supply
Despite the oil price surge, ANZ Research believes the conflict's impact on global oil supply remains limited. The likelihood of a direct attack on Iran's oil facilities is seen as low, as this would disrupt international relations and provoke a severe response. Furthermore, OPEC's spare capacity, approximately 7 million barrels per day, provides a buffer against potential supply disruptions.
At its October 2 meeting, OPEC and its allies (OPEC+) maintained their oil output policy, with plans to start gradually increasing production in December.
