Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
Asian Markets Slip as Investors Brace for Fed Rate Cut and Global Policy Decisions 
Canada Stocks Steady as Markets Await Fed and BoC Decisions 
Australia’s Business Conditions Ease in November as Capacity Constraints Persist 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Global Markets Steady as Yen Holds Firm After Japan Earthquake Amid Central Bank Focus 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Decision; Aussie Dollar Edges Higher 
Global Forex Markets Brace for Fed Decision as Yen Extends Weakness 
Oil Prices Dip as Markets Watch Ukraine Peace Talks and U.S. Rate Decision 
U.S. Open to Special Trade Terms for South Africa Under Possible AGOA Extension 
Australian Dollar Rises as RBA Holds Rates and Signals Persistent Inflation Risks 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Oil prices edged higher on Monday following optimistic signals from U.S.-China trade talks over the weekend. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.4%, to $64.18 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 28 cents, or 0.5%, to $61.30. Both benchmarks had climbed more than $1 on Friday, capping a strong weekly gain of over 4%—their first since mid-April—amid easing fears of global economic strain from U.S. tariffs.
Investor sentiment improved after both Washington and Beijing described their discussions as productive. U.S. officials spoke of a "deal" aimed at reducing the trade deficit, while Chinese authorities reported reaching an "important consensus." A joint statement is expected Monday. Progress between the world's top two oil consumers is seen as bullish for crude demand, as trade normalization could drive higher industrial and transportation activity.
However, gains were tempered by plans from OPEC and allies (OPEC+) to increase oil output in May and June. Despite this, a Reuters survey revealed that OPEC production slightly declined in April, suggesting only a limited impact on supply. Analyst Toshitaka Tazawa of Fujitomi Securities noted that optimism over trade talks lifted sentiment, but rising supply and limited details from negotiations capped the rally.
Elsewhere, talks in Oman between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program ended with plans for further dialogue. A potential nuclear agreement could lead to increased Iranian oil exports, adding downward pressure on prices. Meanwhile, U.S. energy firms cut oil and gas rigs to their lowest level since January, according to Baker Hughes, signaling a possible slowdown in domestic output growth.
