Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Oil prices edged higher on Monday, recovering part of last week’s sharp decline, as rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela fueled concerns over potential supply disruptions. These worries outweighed lingering fears about global oversupply and uncertainty surrounding a possible Russia-Ukraine peace agreement.
Brent crude futures gained 25 cents, or 0.4%, to trade at $61.37 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 23 cents, or 0.4%, to $57.67 per barrel in early Asian trading. The rebound followed a nearly 4% drop last week, driven by expectations of ample supply and mixed signals from geopolitical developments.
Market analysts noted that oil prices remain highly sensitive to global political risks. Peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have oscillated between optimism and caution, creating uncertainty about future Russian oil supplies. A potential peace deal could eventually allow more Russian crude back into global markets, as Western sanctions currently restrict exports. However, recent reports of Ukrainian strikes on a major Russian oil refinery in Yaroslavl have renewed short-term supply concerns after the facility reportedly suspended operations.
At the same time, escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions have added upward pressure on crude prices. Venezuela’s oil exports have dropped significantly following the seizure of an oil tanker by the U.S. and the imposition of fresh sanctions on shipping companies and vessels linked to Venezuelan crude. Political developments in the country, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado’s high-profile move abroad, have further unsettled markets and raised fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Despite the price rebound, analysts cautioned that oversupply concerns remain strong. Global markets continue to face ample production, and unless geopolitical risks intensify further, WTI prices could face renewed downside pressure and potentially fall below $55 per barrel early next year.
On the supply side, U.S. energy companies reduced the number of active oil and gas rigs for the second time in three weeks, according to Baker Hughes data. While this may signal some restraint in future production growth, investors remain cautious as oil markets search for clearer direction amid shifting geopolitical and economic signals.
