Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Oil prices edged higher on Monday despite market concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff move on steel and aluminum imports, which could slow global economic growth and impact energy demand.
Brent crude futures gained 0.5% to $75.06 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.5% to $71.38. However, both benchmarks logged a third consecutive weekly decline amid fears of a global trade war.
Trump is set to announce 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, further escalating trade tensions. Last week, he imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, only to suspend those for neighboring countries a day later. Despite this, investors appear unfazed, with IG analyst Tony Sycamore noting that markets may be adjusting to ongoing tariff-related headlines.
Meanwhile, China's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods take effect Monday, with no sign of resolution in trade talks. Oil and gas traders are now seeking waivers from Beijing for U.S. crude and liquefied natural gas imports.
Adding to supply disruptions, U.S. sanctions on Russian oil exports, enforced on Jan. 10, have impacted deliveries to China and India. Further, Washington increased pressure on Iran last week, imposing new sanctions on individuals and tankers transporting Iranian crude to China.
Trump stated on Sunday that progress is being made with Russia to end the Ukraine war but provided no specifics.
With geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty weighing on the market, oil prices remain volatile. Investors continue to monitor developments that could impact global crude supply and demand.
