Japan Keeps Markets Guessing as Yen Nears 40-Year Low, Raising Intervention Risks 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Gold Price Rises as Investors Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks and Fed Policy Outlook 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Supply Concerns 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
US Dollar Hits One-Year High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Overshadows Middle East Developments 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Alphabet Slumps, Middle East Developments and Fed Outlook Weigh on Markets 
100+ Global Companies Push Governments to Prioritize Electrification for Economic Growth 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Russian Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low 
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.
