Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, reversing gains from the previous session, amid concerns over weakening U.S. demand. Government data showed an unexpected rise in crude inventories, raising doubts about consumption trends in the world's largest oil consumer.
Brent crude futures dropped 24 cents, or 0.35%, to $68.87 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped by the same margin to $67.21. Both benchmarks had surged over 3% on Wednesday, partly fueled by geopolitical tensions and positive trade developments.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a surprise 3.8 million-barrel increase in domestic crude stockpiles last week, pushing total inventories to 419 million barrels. Analysts had expected a 1.8 million-barrel draw, fueling market uncertainty. Gasoline demand also declined to 8.6 million barrels per day, casting a shadow over peak summer driving season consumption.
Wednesday’s oil rally was supported by Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, reviving fears of renewed conflict in the Middle East. Additionally, a new U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, imposing 20% tariffs on many Vietnamese exports, bolstered hopes of improved global trade stability, potentially supporting oil demand growth.
Traders are now closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. employment report, due Thursday, which could influence expectations around potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Lower rates typically stimulate economic activity, potentially boosting fuel consumption.
A private payrolls report released Wednesday showed a contraction for the first time in two years. However, analysts cautioned against drawing conclusions from the data, citing a weak historical correlation with official government statistics.
The combination of rising crude stocks and cautious demand signals is likely to keep oil markets on edge in the near term.
