Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Oil prices jumped over 2% on Tuesday as escalating Iran-Israel conflict stoked fears of supply disruption in the Middle East. Brent crude rose $1.17, or 1.6%, to $74.40 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed $1.34, or 1.87%, to $73.11 by 0005 GMT. Both benchmarks had earlier surged more than 2% in intraday trading.
The spike followed a sharp reversal from Monday’s losses, when oil dropped over 1% on hopes of de-escalation after reports that Iran was seeking peace. However, tensions soared again as explosions and air defense activity were reported in Tehran, and Israeli air raid sirens sounded in Tel Aviv amid Iranian missile attacks.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump called for "everyone" to evacuate Tehran, further fueling market anxiety. Trump also criticized Iran for not signing a nuclear agreement sooner and suggested the country now seeks to reach a deal. Analysts believe any future deal that lifts U.S. sanctions could lead to increased Iranian oil exports, which might put downward pressure on prices.
Iran, OPEC’s third-largest oil producer, plays a critical role in global supply. Ongoing hostilities pose a serious threat to output, adding risk premiums to crude prices.
Meanwhile, OPEC and allies including Russia, collectively known as OPEC+, stated they expect the global economy to remain resilient in the latter half of 2025. However, they slightly reduced their forecast for oil production growth from non-OPEC+ countries through 2026.
With geopolitical risks rising and market volatility high, oil traders are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, especially concerning Iran’s export capacity and potential diplomatic breakthroughs.
