Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Oil prices gained modestly in Asian trading on Thursday, supported by a sharper-than-expected draw in U.S. crude inventories and renewed speculation about a potential U.S.–Russia peace proposal for Ukraine. Brent crude futures for January climbed 0.3% to $63.71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 0.4% to $59.68 per barrel as traders reacted to fresh supply data and shifting geopolitical signals.
The latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed crude stockpiles declining by 3.4 million barrels for the week ending Nov. 14—far exceeding analyst forecasts of a 0.6-million-barrel draw. According to analysts at ING, the drop was driven by stronger crude exports, which increased by 1.34 million barrels per day compared with the previous week. Refinery activity also picked up, boosting crude oil inputs as refiners elevated run rates.
Despite the supportive crude figures, gasoline inventories rose by 2.3 million barrels and distillate stocks increased by 171,000 barrels, signaling a softer demand outlook for refined products. This mixed data led to cautious sentiment, as traders balanced tighter crude supplies against weaker consumption indicators in the fuel markets.
Geopolitical developments also added volatility to oil prices. The U.S. is preparing to implement new sanctions targeting Russia’s Rosneft and Lukoil on Nov. 21. These measures are designed to constrain Russia’s energy revenues and further restrict global flows of Russian crude. At the same time, reports suggested that U.S. and Russian officials have been discussing a new peace framework for Ukraine. According to Reuters, Washington has reportedly advised President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to consider a U.S.-drafted plan that would involve territorial concessions and weapons limitations.
Such diplomatic discussions could influence expectations for Russian oil supply if they result in reduced tensions or shifts in sanctions enforcement. ING analysts noted that signs of ongoing negotiations may ease concerns about harsher penalties on Moscow and how aggressively existing restrictions will be applied.
