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Japan Exports Surge for Seventh Month as AI Demand Offsets Middle East Trade Disruptions 
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Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Persist 
Indian Cotton Yarn Exports Surge as China Demand Rises Amid Global Supply Disruptions 
Asian Stocks Mixed as Tech Shares Decline While Japan’s Nikkei Hits Record High 
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USDA Plans to Expand Farmer Surveys to Improve Crop Report Accuracy 
Oil Prices Slip Amid Iran Ceasefire Extension, Hormuz Disruptions Keep Markets Tense 
Asian Markets Mixed as Oil Prices Rise Amid Middle East Tensions and Ceasefire Uncertainty 
Global Energy Crisis: Iran Conflict Triggers Record Oil Supply Shock 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Trump Extends Iran Ceasefire, Easing Market Tensions 
Asian Stocks Surge to Record Highs as Wall Street Rally Offsets Oil Price Concerns 
Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Japanese Stocks Amid AI Rally and Improved Risk Sentiment 
US and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
Oil prices climbed during Asian trading on Friday, driven by growing concerns over a prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Market sentiment remains tense after U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is in no hurry to reach a resolution with Iran, fueling uncertainty in global crude supply.
Brent crude futures rose 1.1% to $106.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased 1% to $96.83 per barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for significant weekly gains, rising between 15% and 18%, as geopolitical risks continue to impact the oil market outlook.
Crude prices saw a sharp increase earlier this week following reports of airstrikes targeting areas in and around Iran. Additional pressure came after news that Iran’s lead negotiator in Pakistan-mediated talks with Washington had stepped down, signaling further complications in diplomatic efforts. President Trump reiterated that while he is open to negotiations, he does not intend to rush into an agreement, though he dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons.
Tensions have intensified as both the U.S. and Iran remain at a stalemate over key conditions. Iran has demanded the removal of a U.S. naval blockade, while Washington insists on the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route previously accounted for nearly 20% of global oil supply, making its disruption a major concern for energy markets.
Recent incidents in the region, including Iran’s reported seizure of vessels and U.S. counteractions, have heightened fears of further supply chain disruptions. Despite a temporary ceasefire extension involving Israel and Lebanon, markets remain focused on the broader conflict and its implications for oil production and transportation.
With no clear path toward de-escalation, crude oil prices are likely to remain volatile, as investors closely monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global energy supply.
