Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
Asian Stocks Waver as Trump Signals Fed Pick, Shutdown Deal and Tech Earnings Stir Markets 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
U.S. Government Faces Brief Shutdown as Congress Delays Funding Deal 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals 
U.S.–Venezuela Relations Show Signs of Thaw as Top Envoy Visits Caracas 
Oil prices climbed for a second straight session on Tuesday as traders evaluated escalating geopolitical risks, including Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy facilities and growing friction between the U.S. and Venezuela. Brent crude futures edged up 0.2% to $63.31 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased 0.3% to $59.50. Both benchmarks had already gained more than 1% on Monday, supported by concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supply.
The Caspian Pipeline Consortium confirmed it has restarted shipments through one of its Black Sea terminal mooring points following a significant drone attack on November 29. According to Russia’s Kommersant newspaper, operations resumed at Single Point Mooring 1, though SPM 2 remains damaged. Market analysts at Ritterbusch and Associates noted that ongoing military activity reduces the likelihood of a near-term peace agreement and could tighten diesel and gasoil markets, potentially boosting overall crude prices.
On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reiterated that Kyiv’s main priorities are safeguarding sovereignty and securing reliable security guarantees, adding that territorial issues remain the most challenging obstacles. Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to brief the Kremlin on Tuesday as tensions continue to rise.
Concerns over supply constraints were amplified by ANZ, which highlighted growing uncertainty surrounding Venezuelan oil exports amid an expanding U.S. campaign. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump signaled a tougher stance, stating that Venezuelan airspace should be considered “closed in its entirety,” though he offered no specifics.
Adding another layer to the market outlook, OPEC+ confirmed a modest production increase for December but will pause further hikes in the first quarter of next year due to fears of oversupply. Ritterbusch analysts suggested that despite recent price gains, weakening global balances could still push WTI and Brent toward $55 and $59 respectively.
This combination of geopolitical tension, supply risks, and shifting OPEC+ policy continues to shape a volatile but closely watched oil market.
