Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Oil prices climbed in early Wednesday trading, extending gains from the previous session as geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel stoked fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.25%) to $76.64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) added 23 cents (0.31%) to reach $75.07 per barrel.
The escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, now in its sixth day, has raised alarm over potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint responsible for about 20% of global seaborne crude. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while the Pentagon is dispatching more fighter jets to the region, signaling further military buildup.
Adding to concerns, two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of electronic interference affecting ship navigation in the area. Iran, the third-largest OPEC producer, pumps approximately 3.3 million barrels per day. However, analysts note that other OPEC members have spare capacity to compensate for potential shortfalls.
Markets are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s ongoing policy discussions. While the central bank is expected to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%, analysts suggest that rising oil prices and geopolitical risks could prompt a rate cut as early as July—sooner than the market's current forecast of September. Lower rates typically stimulate economic growth and boost oil demand.
Yet, the Fed faces a dilemma, as surging crude prices could fuel inflation. According to the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. crude and gasoline inventories fell last week, while distillate stocks rose, adding another layer of complexity to the outlook for energy markets and monetary policy.
