Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
China Home Prices Fall Again in June Despite Slower Pace of Decline 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S. Strikes on Iran Raise Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
UBS Boosts China Tech Bets, Adds Kuaishou and Meituan to Focus List 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
Gold Prices Head for Biggest Weekly Loss Since June as Fed Rate Outlook Weighs 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Select Brazilian Imports After Section 301 Trade Investigation 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
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.
