U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Japan Plans $189 Billion Bond Issuance as Record Budget Signals Expansionary Fiscal Policy 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Oil prices declined on Monday as investor concerns grew over U.S. import tariffs impacting global economic growth and fuel demand. Increased output from OPEC+ also contributed to the bearish sentiment.
Brent crude slipped 0.4% to $70.11 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.4% to $66.76. WTI posted its seventh consecutive weekly decline, the longest since November 2023, and Brent marked its third straight week of losses. The downturn followed U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, which raised tensions with key oil suppliers Canada, Mexico, and China. China retaliated with tariffs on U.S. and Canadian agricultural goods.
Market uncertainty deepened with discussions on potential U.S. sanctions relief on Russia’s energy sector, should Russia agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. At the same time, Trump hinted at further sanctions if Russia fails to comply.
OPEC+ confirmed plans to increase oil production starting in April, but Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak suggested a potential policy reversal if market conditions warrant. Meanwhile, Trump's push to negotiate with Iran over its nuclear ambitions faced resistance, as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed external pressure. The U.S. also revoked a waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity, intensifying economic restrictions on Tehran.
Despite ongoing geopolitical risks, analysts see potential support for WTI around $65-$62, predicting a possible rebound to $72. Investors remain cautious as oil markets navigate supply shifts and macroeconomic pressures.
