Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Oil prices fell over 1% on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump urged OPEC to reduce oil prices to pressure Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine war. Brent crude dropped 1.11% to $77.63 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 1.19% to $73.77.
Trump reiterated his demand for OPEC to lower prices, arguing it would hurt Russia’s revenues and help end the conflict in Ukraine. He threatened sanctions and tariffs on Russia and OPEC countries if a resolution isn't reached. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to discuss oil prices and the war with Trump.
OPEC and its allies, including Russia, have not formally responded to Trump’s comments, maintaining plans to raise output starting in April. Despite recent price declines, analysts believe Russian production will remain stable. Goldman Sachs noted higher shipping rates and discounts on Russian oil continue to attract buyers, mitigating sanctions' impact.
JP Morgan analysts highlighted risks, with nearly 20% of the global Aframax fleet affected by sanctions, suggesting a cautious approach to future price projections.
Additional trade disruptions loom as Trump announced retaliatory tariffs and sanctions on Colombia, the largest exporter of crude to the U.S., after it blocked two U.S. military deportation flights. Colombia accounted for 183,000 barrels per day of U.S. seaborne imports in 2024, comprising 41% of its total exports.
The Energy Information Administration reported the U.S. imported 228,000 barrels per day of Colombian crude and related products in 2023. As tensions escalate, the energy market faces continued volatility and uncertainty.
