U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
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.
