Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, supported by solid fuel demand in the U.S. and China and improving global economic sentiment. Brent crude rose 0.42% to $69 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 0.6% to $66.92, recovering from a two-day decline.
Traders are optimistic as strong seasonal demand—driven by summer travel and industrial activity—continues to support oil prices despite lingering concerns over U.S. trade policies. Market fears of supply disruption eased after President Trump’s threat of tariffs on Russian oil was largely dismissed.
LSEG analysts noted that increased gasoline consumption during the U.S. Fourth of July holiday highlighted resilient demand, helping to counter bearish sentiment from rising inventories and tariff tensions. Meanwhile, China’s June economic data showed slower-than-expected growth, but signs of stability reassured investors. Crude oil throughput in China surged 8.5% year-on-year, the highest since September 2023, reflecting stronger domestic fuel demand and improved refinery margins.
Global economic recovery also bolstered sentiment. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) forecast better economic performance in the latter half of 2025, with stronger oil demand from emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil. Recovery in the U.S. and European Union added to the positive outlook.
Oil markets remain in a tight range as investors weigh robust demand against macroeconomic risks. Still, signs of sustained consumption and a stable economic backdrop from major importers suggest support for crude prices in the near term.
