Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Lower as Tech Earnings and Fed Decision Shape Market Sentiment 
South Korea Industry Minister Heads to Washington Amid U.S. Tariff Hike Concerns 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
Gold Prices Hit Record High Above $5,500 as Iran Strike Fears Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Rebounds Ahead of Fed Rate Decision 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Asian Currencies Hold Firm as Dollar Rebounds on Fed Chair Nomination Hopes 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
Oil Prices Rebound After Sharp Decline
Oil prices rose in Asian markets on Wednesday, recovering from the previous session's 4% drop. The decline followed reports of the Lebanese group Hezbollah seeking a ceasefire with Israel, hinting at possible de-escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
U.S. Inventory Surge Limits Gains
Despite the recovery, oil prices faced pressure due to a significant build in U.S. oil inventories. The American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a 10.9 million barrels increase, far exceeding expectations of 1.95 million barrels. This raised concerns over weakening U.S. fuel demand, especially in the wake of hurricanes affecting the mid-South.
Hurricane Milton and Oil Supply Concerns
Traders also monitored Hurricane Milton, a category-5 storm expected to make landfall in Florida. While the hurricane is unlikely to impact Gulf of Mexico oil operations, any potential disruptions are being closely watched.
Middle East Conflict Remains a Key Factor
The Middle East conflict continues to influence oil prices. Reports of a potential ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel could ease concerns over oil supply disruptions. However, tensions remain high, with the possibility of further escalations in the region.
Conclusion
Oil prices are reacting to a combination of U.S. inventory data, global supply concerns, and geopolitical tensions. While prices saw a slight recovery, market volatility is expected to continue in the near term.
