U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Asian Markets Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Gold Prices Steady Above $5,000 as Markets Eye Fed Minutes and PCE Inflation Data 
U.S. Inflation Cools in January as Gas Prices Fall, Core CPI Signals Sticky Price Pressures 
Asian Markets Consolidate Gains as Japan GDP Disappoints and Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
Oil prices remained steady on Tuesday as investors monitored rising geopolitical tensions following Iran’s naval drills near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. The military exercises took place just hours before scheduled nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva, adding uncertainty to the global energy market outlook.
Brent crude futures slipped 0.2% to $68.59 per barrel after gaining 1.3% in the previous session. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $63.73 per barrel, up 84 cents or 1.34%. The WTI move reflected Monday’s price activity, as there was no official settlement due to the U.S. Presidents Day holiday.
Market sentiment remains sensitive to developments in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global crude oil exports. Iran, along with OPEC members Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq, ships most of its oil through this strategic waterway, largely supplying Asian markets.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would be “indirectly” involved in the nuclear negotiations and expressed optimism about a potential agreement, though he previously suggested regime change in Iran could be beneficial. Analysts note that any diplomatic breakthrough could ease geopolitical risk premiums currently embedded in oil prices. Conversely, further escalation may drive crude prices higher.
According to ANZ analysts, oil markets remain unsettled amid broader geopolitical risks, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Citi analysts added that if disruptions to Russian supply keep Brent crude between $65 and $70 per barrel, OPEC+ may increase production using spare capacity. The group is reportedly considering resuming output hikes from April to prepare for peak summer demand.
Citi projects that potential diplomatic resolutions involving both Iran and Russia-Ukraine could push Brent prices down to the $60–$62 range later this year, signaling possible volatility ahead for global oil markets.
