Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
US-India Trade Bombshell: Tariffs Slashed to 18% — Rupee Soars, Sensex Explodes 
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 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
India Services Sector Rebounds in January as New Business Gains Momentum: HSBC PMI Shows Growth 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Stabilizes, Yen Weakens Ahead of Japan Election 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Bounce Back as Middle East Concerns and U.S. Elections Loom
Oil prices saw an uptick in early Asian trade on Tuesday after significant losses on Monday due to eased concerns over an escalating Middle East conflict. Brent crude futures for December gained 0.7% to reach $71.94 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures similarly rose 0.7%, hitting $67.87 per barrel at 00:17 GMT.
The recent downturn followed an Israeli strike over the weekend, which notably avoided Iranian oil and nuclear assets. This limited fear of a severe escalation in regional conflict and led traders to reduce the previously high-risk premium in oil prices.
Middle East Tensions and Retaliation Threats
Despite Monday's market reaction, tension in the Middle East remains high. After Israel’s retaliatory strike in response to Iran’s October attack, Tehran threatened potential retaliation, keeping supply risk alive. Israel has signaled no intent to ease military actions against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, reducing prospects for a truce.
Upcoming U.S. Election and Economic Data Impact
Market sentiment remains volatile ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with traders closely monitoring the race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. A potential Trump victory is expected to lead to inflationary policies, which could impact global oil markets.
Adding to the uncertainty, upcoming economic indicators from China and the U.S. – including the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), U.S. GDP, and the PCE Price Index – will provide further insight into oil demand trends.
