New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Oil prices soared Friday as escalating military tensions between Israel and Iran sparked fears of supply disruptions from the Middle East. Brent crude surged 7.02% to settle at $74.23 per barrel, after briefly hitting $78.50—its highest since January 27. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 7.62% to $72.98, peaking intraday at $77.62. Both benchmarks posted their largest one-day gains since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
The spike follows Israel’s announcement of strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and missile facilities in a bid to halt Tehran’s atomic ambitions. Iran vowed retaliation and later fired missiles into Tel Aviv, according to reports. The clashes have intensified investor concerns over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which nearly 20 million barrels of oil and fuel—about one-fifth of global consumption—pass daily.
Analysts warned that any further escalation targeting energy infrastructure could trigger a tit-for-tat cycle. Iran’s Kharg Island, the hub for 90% of its crude exports, remains untouched, but experts caution this may change. Iran produces about 3.3 million barrels per day, exporting over 2 million. OPEC’s spare capacity is estimated to match Iran’s output, offering some buffer against potential supply shocks.
Despite the unrest, Iranian oil refining and storage facilities remain operational, according to state officials. Meanwhile, the number of active U.S. oil rigs fell to 439—the lowest since October 2021—continuing a seven-week decline, as per Baker Hughes data.
Market reactions extended beyond oil. Equities fell, while gold, the U.S. dollar, and the Swiss franc gained on safe-haven demand. Hedge funds also increased long positions in U.S. crude, CFTC data showed, signaling bullish sentiment amid geopolitical uncertainty.
