Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Oil Prices Climb in Asian Trade as Venezuela Sanctions and Middle East Tensions Fuel Risk Premium 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
Yen Slides as BOJ Caution Undercuts Rate Hike Impact 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy Shares Support MOEX Index 
Kevin Hassett Says Inflation Is Below Target, Backs Trump’s Call for Rate Cuts 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Trump Defends Economic Record in North Carolina as Midterm Election Pressure Mounts 
Japan Signals Possible Yen Intervention as Currency Weakens Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Oil Prices Decline Amid Easing Middle East Tensions
Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trading on Monday, driven by reduced fears of a Middle East conflict after Israel’s recent military strike on Iran was less damaging than anticipated.
Impact of Israeli Strike on Oil Prices
Brent Oil Futures for December delivery decreased by 4.1%, settling at $72.97 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 4.2% to $68.76 per barrel as of 19:57 ET (23:57 GMT). Both contracts approached their lowest levels since early October. The Israeli strike targeted several Iranian military installations but notably avoided major oil production and nuclear sites, assuaging fears of a significant escalation that could disrupt oil supplies from this crude-rich region.
Iran’s Response and Ongoing Conflict
While Iran downplayed the attack’s impact, it threatened retaliation. Although the recent strike alleviated concerns about an immediate conflict escalation, the broader situation in the Middle East remains tense, with Israel continuing its offensive against Hamas and Hezbollah.
Upcoming Economic Data Influencing Oil Demand
Beyond geopolitical tensions, this week will see the release of crucial economic data that could further influence global oil demand. Reports on U.S. and eurozone gross domestic product (GDP) are expected soon, alongside the PCE price index, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. Additionally, the Purchasing Managers' Index data from China, the world’s largest oil importer, will provide insights following significant recent stimulus measures.
