Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil prices edged higher in early Asian trading on Wednesday amid concerns over tighter global supply. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries importing oil and gas from Venezuela, a major crude exporter. Brent crude futures rose 25 cents (0.3%) to $73.27 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 28 cents (0.4%) to $69.28.
Trump’s executive order, signed Monday, allows the imposition of 25% tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act on imports from nations purchasing Venezuelan crude and liquid fuels. China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer and a current target of U.S. tariffs, is directly impacted.
Further pressuring Venezuelan output, the U.S. extended Chevron’s license to operate in the country until May 27. Analysts at ANZ noted that losing Chevron’s presence could slash Venezuela’s oil production by 200,000 barrels per day.
Adding to bullish sentiment, the American Petroleum Institute reported a 4.6 million barrel drop in U.S. crude inventories for the week ending March 21, far exceeding analysts’ expectations of a 1 million barrel decline. Official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is expected later Wednesday.
However, gains were capped after the U.S. reached temporary agreements with Ukraine and Russia to pause maritime and energy-related attacks. Washington also committed to pushing for the easing of some sanctions on Moscow. Despite the deal, both Kyiv and Moscow voiced doubts about each other’s compliance.
Investors remain focused on geopolitical tensions and supply risks, with global energy markets reacting strongly to U.S. foreign policy developments and unexpected shifts in crude stockpiles.
