Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Oil prices held firm at over one-month highs in Asian trading Tuesday, driven by rising geopolitical tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran if it refuses a new nuclear deal escalated risks in the Middle East, adding a premium to crude prices. The threat drew sharp retaliation warnings from Iranian officials, compounding fears of potential supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures for June hovered at $74.75 per barrel, while WTI crude dipped 0.2% to $70.95. The market also remains cautious amid stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks, with Trump warning of additional sanctions on Moscow’s oil exports if a deal isn’t reached. Reports of Russia drafting more troops added to instability fears.
Fresh strikes by Israel on Beirut, following the collapse of a ceasefire with Hamas, further fueled anxiety over regional oil supply security. As traders brace for potential escalation, oil markets have priced in higher risk premiums.
However, gains are capped by concerns over weakening demand. Trump’s plans to introduce new reciprocal tariffs, expected Wednesday, threaten to disrupt global trade. Analysts warn the proposed higher, broader tariffs—with fewer exemptions—could slow economic growth and curb energy consumption.
These trade tensions have sparked fears of a looming U.S. recession, with Goldman Sachs recently raising its recession forecast. Market sentiment remains cautious, as recessionary risks could dampen oil demand in the near term.
Despite geopolitical turmoil boosting prices, the looming threat of tariffs and economic slowdown continues to weigh on long-term oil market outlook. Traders now await Trump’s tariff announcement for clearer direction on demand risks.
