Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Gold Prices Slide as Hawkish Fed and Strong Dollar Weigh on Bullion 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Stocks Surge as Oil Prices Fall and Strong US Dollar Weighs on Markets 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
Oil prices climbed close to seven-month highs on Wednesday as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions heightened fears of potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. Despite renewed diplomatic talks scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, investors remain cautious, driving volatility in global crude markets.
Brent crude futures rose 45 cents, or 0.64%, to $71.22 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 42 cents, or 0.64%, to $66.05. Brent recently touched its highest level since late July, and WTI reached its strongest point since early August. Prices have held firm as the United States strengthens its military presence in the Middle East, pressuring Iran to negotiate limits on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Market participants are closely watching the geopolitical risk premium built into oil prices. Iran, the third-largest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), plays a critical role in global crude supply. Any prolonged military conflict could disrupt oil exports not only from Iran but across the broader Middle East, a region vital to global energy markets.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iranian officials for a third round of negotiations. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi signaled that a deal is “within reach” if diplomacy prevails. However, uncertainty remains over whether Tehran will meet Washington’s “zero enrichment” demand, as President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if talks fail.
Adding to tensions, reports indicate Iran and China are accelerating discussions over anti-ship cruise missile purchases, potentially increasing risks to U.S. naval forces stationed near Iranian waters.
Beyond geopolitical concerns, oil markets are also reacting to supply data. The American Petroleum Institute reported a sharp 11.43 million-barrel rise in U.S. crude inventories for the week ending February 20, signaling potential oversupply. However, gasoline and distillate stocks declined. Investors now await official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for further direction in the global oil market.
