Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
U.S. Dollar Reaches One-Year High as Tech Sell-Off and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Support Demand 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Micron Earnings 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Malaysia Central Bank Moves to Support Ringgit Amid Foreign Fund Outflows 
Oil Prices Drop as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Recovers 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Markets Rally as Micron and Qualcomm AI Outlook Lifts Global Tech Stocks 
Oil prices held firm during Asian trading on Tuesday after surging nearly 3% in the previous session, as renewed tensions between the United States and Iran raised concerns about global crude supply disruptions. Investors remain focused on the escalating geopolitical conflict and its potential impact on energy markets, especially around the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude futures climbed 0.3% to $104.52 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also gained 0.3%, reaching $98.33 per barrel in early trading. The market rebound followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the Iran ceasefire negotiations were now “on life support,” reducing expectations for a near-term diplomatic solution.
Trump sharply criticized Tehran’s latest response to a U.S.-supported peace proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable” and describing the reply as “a piece of garbage.” His remarks reignited fears that the prolonged conflict could severely impact global oil exports and shipping routes.
Iran responded by defending its demands, insisting that any agreement must include an end to the war, the lifting of U.S. naval restrictions, restoration of Iranian oil exports, compensation for damages, and recognition of Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key concern for global energy markets because nearly 20% of the world’s oil and fuel supply passes through the strategic waterway. Analysts warn that any disruption in the region could trigger sharp increases in crude oil prices and further volatility across commodity markets.
Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser also cautioned that even if shipping routes reopen quickly, it could take months for global oil supply chains to fully recover. Meanwhile, investors are closely monitoring Trump’s upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where discussions may include oil markets, trade relations, and Middle East security concerns.
