Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
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 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil prices edged up in early Monday trade, supported by short-covering despite lingering uncertainty over U.S.-China trade talks and potential increases in OPEC+ supply. Brent crude rose 9 cents to $66.96 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 9 cents to $63.11 by 0025 GMT.
Michael McCarthy, CEO of Moomoo Australia, noted that "the absence of fresh news is pushing oil prices modestly higher" as traders brace for possible OPEC+ output hikes at the May 5 meeting and rising U.S. production. Some OPEC+ members are expected to propose accelerating production increases for a second straight month, adding to fears of oversupply.
Last week, Brent and WTI fell over 1% due to concerns that tariffs and a sluggish global economy could weaken fuel demand. Market sentiment remains shaky amid conflicting signals between U.S. President Donald Trump and Beijing regarding the progress of trade negotiations. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday declined to confirm Trump’s claims of ongoing talks, while China also denied any discussions.
Adding to geopolitical tensions, nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. continue this week in Oman. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed caution over the talks' prospects. Meanwhile, a massive explosion at Iran’s key port, Bandar Abbas, killed at least 40 and injured more than 1,200, intensifying regional instability.
In a separate development, U.S. officials urged Russia and Ukraine to advance peace talks following President Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Vatican.
