IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Oil prices remained stable in Asian trading on Friday, holding onto gains from the previous session amid optimism over new U.S. trade agreements and expectations of Russian gasoline export cuts. Brent crude futures for September rose 0.2% to $69.29 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude edged up 0.2% to $66.13 per barrel as of 21:31 ET (01:31 GMT). Both benchmarks jumped over 1% on Thursday following data showing a sharp drop in U.S. crude inventories.
Market sentiment was lifted by reports of progress in trade talks between the U.S. and European Union, with a potential agreement replacing a previously threatened 30% tariff with a reduced 15% levy. India also signaled optimism about avoiding proposed U.S. tariffs, while Washington and Tokyo finalized a deal cutting import tariffs on Japanese goods to 15% from 25%. Analysts at ING noted that easing trade tensions could boost global demand, supporting oil consumption through increased transportation and industrial activity.
Additional support came from expectations that Russia will tighten restrictions on gasoline exports to curb rising domestic prices, potentially disrupting supply. This follows Thursday’s report of U.S. plans to allow limited oil operations in Venezuela, starting with Chevron, which could add over 200,000 barrels per day to U.S. refiners seeking heavier crude.
Traders are closely monitoring these developments as they weigh the impact of trade deals, Russian export measures, and potential Venezuelan supply on the broader supply-demand outlook for crude oil. The combination of easing trade tensions and potential supply disruptions could provide continued support for prices in the near term.
