Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
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 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Oil prices are poised to post a third consecutive weekly gain, driven by heightened geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. Despite a dip on Friday, Brent crude futures were trading at $77.28 a barrel, down 2% for the day but up 3.9% for the week. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for July, which expires Friday, rose 1.1% to $76. The more actively traded August contract gained 0.7% to $74.
Thursday’s spike in oil prices—nearly 3%—followed escalating attacks, with Israel bombing nuclear facilities in Iran and Tehran retaliating with drone and missile strikes, including one that hit an Israeli hospital. The conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, raising fears of broader regional instability.
Analysts say concerns over potential disruptions to oil supply are driving prices higher. Tanker rates have doubled, and many ships are now rerouting to avoid the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil chokepoint through which up to 21 million barrels per day of crude and refined products are transported. Iran, a major OPEC producer, currently pumps around 3.3 million barrels per day.
Phil Flynn of The Price Futures Group noted that while no Iranian exports have been officially disrupted, the threat alone is enough to keep markets on edge. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to make Iran "pay the full price," while Tehran warned against third-party intervention.
Adding to uncertainty, the White House stated that President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. will intervene. Analysts believe this timeline may be a strategic delay, keeping markets in suspense and oil prices supported.
With no diplomatic breakthrough in sight, energy markets remain on high alert, tracking every development in the volatile Middle East standoff.
