Japan’s Service Sector Sustains Growth Momentum in November 
Tech Stocks Lift S&P 500 as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Rise 
U.S. May Withhold $30.4 Million From Minnesota Over Improper Commercial Driver Licenses 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
South Korea Inflation Edges Up in November as Food and Service Costs Climb 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Cyber Monday Online Sales Surge Past $9.1 Billion as Holiday Shopping Momentum Builds 
Trump Administration Plans Major Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Investors Await Fed Rate Decision and Monitor Market Shifts 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Oil Prices Rise as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Risks Intensify 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Oil prices fell about 1% on Tuesday as traders weighed fading optimism over Russia-Ukraine peace talks against renewed concerns about global oversupply. Brent crude settled 1.14% lower at $62.45 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate dropped 1.15% to $58.64. The pullback followed gains of more than 1% for both benchmarks on Monday.
Market sentiment shifted as attention turned to diplomatic efforts in Moscow, where Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Analysts said expectations for a breakthrough that could ease restrictions on Russian oil exports initially supported prices, but confidence has since weakened. According to Clayton Seigle of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, any hopes for a quick resolution are likely premature, and geopolitical risks continue to threaten energy markets.
Oil traders also reacted to Putin’s sharp warnings to European powers, including threats to cut off Ukraine’s access to the sea following drone attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet” in the Black Sea. At the same time, Putin is preparing for a visit to India to strengthen energy and defense ties, including potential expansions in Russian oil sales.
Phil Flynn of Price Futures Group noted that Russia’s mixed signals briefly boosted expectations for steady oil flows to India before Putin’s comments reignited concerns over stalled peace efforts.
Oversupply worries added further pressure, though they were partially offset by attacks on Russian infrastructure and rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Caspian Pipeline Consortium restarted shipments after a weekend drone strike, and a Russia-flagged tanker reported another attack near Turkey.
The U.S. API report showed crude, gasoline, and distillate stockpiles all rising in the week ended November 28, reinforcing fears of a growing supply glut. OPEC+ maintained its output targets for the first quarter of 2026, signaling caution as the group monitors potential market imbalances.
