South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
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 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
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.
