Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
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 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Oil prices gained in Asian trading Tuesday after Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza, allegedly violating a ceasefire following failed hostage negotiations. Brent crude rose 0.4% to $71.32 per barrel, while WTI climbed 0.4% to $67.61.
The strikes, Israel’s most significant escalation since January, targeted Hamas positions, leaving at least 100 dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Prime Minister Netanyahu authorized the attacks after Hamas rejected ceasefire extension proposals and refused hostage releases. The ongoing conflict raises concerns over potential energy market disruptions in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, investors await the Federal Reserve’s March 18-19 meeting. The Fed is expected to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%, with traders closely watching its stance on Trump-era tariffs and their economic impact. Rising trade tensions have pressured oil prices, with Brent crude recently hitting three-year lows near $70 per barrel. Higher interest rates could strengthen the U.S. dollar, making oil more expensive for non-dollar holders, potentially reducing demand. The U.S. Dollar Index edged up 0.1% during Asian trading.
Geopolitical risks continue to support oil prices. The U.S. pledged ongoing airstrikes against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, aiming to secure Red Sea shipping routes. Disruptions in this key trade corridor could further impact global energy markets.
China, the world’s largest oil importer, recently announced measures to boost domestic consumption, aiming to shift economic reliance to internal demand. Strong industrial production growth of 5.9% in January-February and a 4% retail sales increase have fueled optimism about oil demand recovery.
With global conflicts and economic policies in focus, oil markets remain volatile as traders navigate uncertainty over supply risks and monetary policies.
