Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Crude oil prices slipped in early Asian trading Tuesday, pressured by weaker demand expectations amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China—the world's largest oil consumers. Brent crude futures dropped 25 cents, or 0.4%, to $65.61 per barrel by 0024 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 18 cents, or 0.3%, to $61.87. Both benchmarks had already declined more than $1 on Monday.
The ongoing U.S.-China trade war, fueled by President Donald Trump's tariffs on all U.S. imports and retaliatory measures from China, has heightened fears of a global economic slowdown. A majority of economists surveyed by Reuters predict a recession could hit later this year, putting additional downward pressure on oil demand forecasts.
Reflecting these concerns, Barclays cut its 2025 Brent crude price forecast by $4 to $70 per barrel, citing rising trade risks and an expected oil supply surplus of 1 million barrels per day driven by changes in OPEC+ production strategies. Several OPEC+ members are reportedly considering increasing output again in June, potentially exacerbating the supply glut.
Oil market expert Philip Verleger warned that prices could see a sharp decline if exporting countries accelerate production hikes. Meanwhile, U.S. crude stockpiles are projected to have risen by 500,000 barrels for the week ending April 15, according to a preliminary Reuters survey. The American Petroleum Institute (API) will release its inventory data Tuesday, followed by official figures from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Wednesday.
