Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Oil prices climbed in Asian trading on Friday, rebounding slightly after recent declines as a weaker U.S. dollar offered temporary relief. However, fears of oversupply and slowing global demand continued to weigh on the market, keeping crude on track for its second consecutive weekly loss.
Brent crude futures for January rose 0.4% to $63.65 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 0.4% to $59.54 by 20:08 ET (01:08 GMT). Despite the short-term boost, both benchmarks remained set for weekly declines of about 2.3% and 1.8%, respectively, reflecting persistent bearish sentiment in the energy market.
The dollar’s weakness provided brief support for oil prices. A softer greenback makes dollar-denominated commodities more affordable for international buyers, encouraging demand. The currency slipped after private economic data indicated cracks in the U.S. labor market, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve might consider a rate cut in December. With the prolonged U.S. government shutdown delaying key economic reports, traders turned to private indicators for guidance, heightening uncertainty over the nation’s economic outlook.
Still, concerns over a cooling U.S. economy limited oil’s upside potential. The world’s largest consumer of fuel faces potential demand disruptions as the shutdown continues to affect key sectors, including air travel. The Trump administration’s decision to reduce flights by 10% across 40 major airports added to worries about weaker fuel consumption.
Meanwhile, oversupply fears persisted after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) increased production by 3 million barrels per day in 2025. Although the group pledged to pause further hikes in early 2026, traders expect markets to remain well-supplied next year. Additionally, U.S. inventory data showing a surprise stockpile build reinforced the bearish outlook for crude prices.
