Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
The S&P 500 surged Friday, led by tech stocks, but still marked its fourth straight weekly loss amid trade war concerns and a sharp drop in consumer sentiment. The Dow Jones gained 674 points (1.7%), the S&P 500 rose 2%, and the NASDAQ climbed 2.6%.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) jumped over 5%, aiming to break a three-week losing streak. Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) soared 13% on strong Q4 results, while Semtech (NASDAQ: SMTC) surged 21% after upbeat Q1 guidance.
Consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, with the University of Michigan’s index dropping to 57.9 from 64.7, well below expectations. Inflation fears intensified as one-year inflation expectations spiked to 4.9%, marking three consecutive months of sharp increases. Long-term inflation expectations also jumped to 3.9%, the biggest monthly rise since 1993.
Trade war concerns escalated after former President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, retaliating against the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey. Investors worry this could fuel inflation and slow economic growth.
Meanwhile, a government shutdown appears to have been averted as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-crafted funding bill.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) rose 3.9% after reports it plans to launch a more affordable Model Y in China to defend its market share. The EV giant has faced challenges, including a 30% stock decline this month, backlash over Elon Musk’s Dogecoin involvement, and protests at dealerships. Concerns also persist over trade war-related tariffs impacting Tesla’s business.
With inflation worries mounting, Federal Reserve hawkishness, and trade tensions intensifying, market volatility is expected to remain high.
