Tokyo Inflation Cools in May, Supporting BOJ’s Cautious Rate Hike Path 
South Korea Central Bank Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Inflation Concerns 
Wall Street Hits New Highs as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Boost Market Sentiment 
Indian Government Bonds Seen Opening Steady Ahead of RBI Policy Decision 
U.S. Sanctions Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority as Global Oil Markets Face Turmoil 
ECB’s Philip Lane Warns Middle East Conflict Could Keep Inflation Elevated 
Kevin Warsh Faces Early Fed Test as Inflation Risks Challenge Rate-Cut Expectations 
US Imposes Fresh Iran Oil Sanctions Despite Progress on Ceasefire Talks 
Gold Prices Hold Steady as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Offset Middle East Tensions 
Trump, Syrian President Sharaa Discuss Sanctions Relief and Economic Recovery in Phone Call 
New World Screwworm Found Near U.S. Border Raises Threat to Cattle Industry and Beef Prices 
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Boom and Iran Ceasefire Progress Lift Market Sentiment 
US Stock Futures Rise as Hopes Grow for U.S.-Iran Peace Deal 
Brazil Extends Fuel Subsidies and Tax Relief Measures Through July 2026 Amid Global Oil Market Volatility 
US Launches New Trade Investigation Into Vietnam Over Intellectual Property Concerns 
BCA Research Warns Iran and Ukraine Ceasefires May Offer Limited Relief for Global Markets 
Oil prices climbed sharply in Asian trading on Monday as escalating tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon renewed fears of supply disruptions across the Middle East. The latest developments have heightened concerns among traders about the stability of key energy shipping routes, supporting a strong recovery in crude oil prices.
Brent crude futures for August delivery rose 2.1% to $92.99 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 2.1% to reach $89.20 per barrel. The rally came after both benchmark contracts posted weekly losses of nearly 10%, marking their steepest declines in several weeks.
The previous selloff was driven by reports suggesting that Washington and Tehran were discussing a potential ceasefire framework that could ease geopolitical tensions and reduce risks to oil supplies moving through the Strait of Hormuz. However, market sentiment shifted over the weekend after Israel reportedly ordered military forces to advance deeper into southern Lebanon, intensifying its campaign against Hezbollah despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The renewed conflict has revived concerns that hostilities could spread across the region, potentially affecting critical energy infrastructure and major shipping routes. Investors remain particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, responsible for transporting approximately 20% of global crude oil shipments.
Meanwhile, negotiations aimed at securing a longer-term understanding between the United States and Iran appear to have stalled. Iranian officials indicated that several key issues remain unresolved, while reports suggested that any extension of a ceasefire arrangement would require approval from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Oil markets have experienced significant volatility in recent weeks as traders react to changing geopolitical headlines. Although reports of diplomatic progress previously pressured prices lower, analysts note that shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz remains below normal levels, indicating that supply risks have not fully disappeared.
As uncertainty persists across the Middle East, investors continue to closely monitor geopolitical developments, making crude oil prices highly sensitive to any changes in regional security and global energy supply conditions.
