Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Oil prices steadied in Asian trading on Friday after sharp losses the previous day, as investors assessed new U.S. tariff threats and closely watched signals from OPEC+ on future supply levels.
Brent crude futures for September delivery rose 0.5% to $69.01 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 0.7% to $67.00 by 01:47 GMT. Both benchmarks dropped nearly 2% on Thursday after touching two-week highs earlier in the week.
Investor sentiment was shaken after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports, effective August 1. He warned of further increases if Canada retaliates. This follows Trump’s recent tariff hikes—25% on goods from South Korea and Japan, and 50% on copper imports.
Tariff tensions typically weigh on oil demand by disrupting trade, curbing industrial activity, and slowing travel—key drivers of crude consumption. Analysts at ING highlighted tariffs as a key downside risk to global oil markets.
Meanwhile, supply-side concerns remain in focus. A Bloomberg report said OPEC and its allies (OPEC+) are considering pausing production increases after completing a planned supply boost in August. The group is set to restore 2.2 million barrels per day by September, with the final 550,000 barrels coming next month.
OPEC+ also revised down its global oil demand forecast through 2028, citing China’s slowing economy. Analysts expect oil prices to face more sustained downward pressure starting in the fourth quarter, as markets move into a potential surplus.
Despite short-term support, both geopolitical tensions and shifting supply-demand dynamics are likely to drive volatility in crude oil prices through the remainder of the year.
