Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Oil prices were largely unchanged in Asian trading on Wednesday after posting sharp losses in the previous session, as progress in U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations eased concerns about potential supply disruptions. The latest developments reduced geopolitical risk premiums that had supported crude markets earlier this week.
Brent crude futures for April delivery edged up 0.1% to $67.51 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 0.1% to $62.40 per barrel. Despite the modest rebound, both benchmarks remained under pressure after Brent dropped nearly 2% and WTI fell 1% on Tuesday.
Market sentiment shifted following reports that Washington and Tehran reached an understanding on key “guiding principles” during ongoing nuclear talks. Although Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi clarified that a final agreement is not imminent, the signs of progress raised expectations that Iranian oil exports could eventually return more fully to global markets. Iran remains a significant oil producer, and any easing of sanctions could increase global crude supply, influencing Brent and WTI prices.
Energy traders are closely monitoring developments due to Iran’s strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route handling roughly 20% of the world’s daily oil consumption. Reduced geopolitical tensions in this region typically weigh on oil prices by lowering supply risk concerns.
Trading volumes in Asia were relatively thin due to Lunar New Year holidays across several regional markets, contributing to limited price movement.
Investors are also awaiting key U.S. oil inventory data. The American Petroleum Institute (API) is set to release its weekly crude stock estimates, followed by official figures from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). These reports will offer insights into U.S. supply trends and short-term price direction.
Additionally, markets are watching the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes and the upcoming U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report for signals on interest rates and future fuel demand.
