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 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil prices jumped in early Asian trading Monday after renewed military strikes between Israel and Iran sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict and potential disruptions to global oil supply. Brent crude rose $1.70 (2.3%) to $75.93 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $1.62 (2.2%) to $74.60. Earlier in the session, both benchmarks had surged over $4. On Friday, they closed up 7%, with intraday gains exceeding 13%—the highest levels seen since January.
The latest exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran resulted in civilian casualties and intensified concerns of a broader regional war. Both sides issued warnings to civilians, further escalating tensions. The Strait of Hormuz—a strategic chokepoint for global energy flows—is now at the center of attention. Roughly 18 to 19 million barrels of oil and fuel pass through the strait daily, accounting for about 20% of global consumption.
Iran, a key member of OPEC, produces around 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) and exports over 2 million bpd. A potential disruption in Iranian exports would significantly impact global supply. Analysts say that OPEC+, including Russia, has spare capacity roughly equal to Iran’s output, but any offset could strain global oil balances.
Despite rising global pressure, diplomatic progress appears limited. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire but said conflict might be inevitable. Meanwhile, Iran informed mediators Qatar and Oman it won't enter ceasefire talks while under Israeli attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced optimism that the ongoing G7 summit in Canada might help deescalate the situation.
With geopolitical tensions mounting and oil supply routes under threat, market volatility is expected to continue, keeping energy traders and global policymakers on edge.
