China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
New Zealand Fast-Tracks Gold Mining as Industry Revival Gains Momentum 
Japan Keeps Markets Guessing as Yen Nears 40-Year Low, Raising Intervention Risks 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Trump Says No Hormuz Strait Tolls During 60-Day Iran Ceasefire 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
France Faces Long Road to Economic Rebalancing as Weak Demand and High Rates Weigh, Says Citi 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
US Dollar Hits One-Year High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Overshadows Middle East Developments 
China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged for 13th Straight Month as Policymakers Prioritize Credit Demand Recovery 
Japan, U.S. Discuss Yen Weakness as Currency Intervention Concerns Grow 
Yen Near 40-Year Low as USD/JPY Approaches Key 162 Level, Raising Intervention Concerns 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
US Stock Futures Recover as Iran Signals Progress in Peace Talks 
Gold Prices Mixed as Stronger Dollar Offsets Safe-Haven Demand Amid U.S.-Iran Peace Talks 
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.
