Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil prices climbed in Asian trading Tuesday after the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures rose 0.6% to $75.19 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.7% to $70.92.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s latest sanctions target over 30 entities and individuals involved in Iran’s oil supply chain, including brokers and tanker operators in the UAE, Hong Kong, and China. This move intensifies Washington’s pressure on Tehran, aiming to curb its petroleum exports, particularly to major buyer China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of severe sanctions risks for those dealing in Iranian oil.
Oil markets reacted with modest gains as investors weighed the impact of these restrictions on global supply. However, uncertainty lingers as geopolitical shifts may counteract bullish sentiment.
Possible cease-fire agreements between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas could ease supply concerns, offsetting price gains. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is reportedly reconsidering plans to ramp up production due to weak demand and growing non-OPEC supply. Originally set for April 2025, production hikes have been repeatedly delayed, supporting prices.
Despite these factors, analysts project the global oil market to return to surplus next year, potentially driving prices lower. Additionally, the resumption of Iraqi oil exports from the Kurdish region may further influence market dynamics.
With heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting supply-demand forces, the oil market remains volatile, keeping investors on edge.
