Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil prices saw a slight uptick early Thursday following a nearly 2% drop in the previous session, as markets react to potential OPEC+ output hikes, U.S.-China tariff discussions, and renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.
Brent crude rose 6 cents to $66.18 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 7 cents to $62.34. The prior session's decline was triggered by a Reuters report suggesting some OPEC+ members may push for faster production increases in June, despite ongoing disputes over quota compliance.
Investor sentiment remains mixed amid contradictory signals from Washington regarding tariffs on Chinese imports. While The Wall Street Journal noted that the White House might lower tariffs to 50% to revive trade talks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated current tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. exports are unsustainable. However, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that no unilateral tariff cuts are planned.
A prolonged trade standoff could dampen oil demand, with Rystad Energy forecasting China's oil demand growth could be halved to 90,000 barrels per day in 2025 if tensions persist. Meanwhile, reports from the Financial Times suggest that former President Trump may consider tariff exemptions on Chinese auto parts, which could influence trade dynamics further.
In the Middle East, U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are entering a third round this weekend. Analysts are watching for any sign of sanctions relief that could lead to increased Iranian oil exports. However, fresh U.S. sanctions imposed Tuesday on Iran’s energy sector have cast doubt over diplomatic progress, with Tehran calling the move a sign of "lack of goodwill."
With geopolitical tensions and energy diplomacy in flux, oil markets remain on edge as global supply and demand forecasts shift.
