European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision 
Oil prices rose slightly in Asian trading on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a new trade agreement with a major economy, reportedly the UK, boosting market optimism. Brent crude futures for July climbed 0.5% to $61.41 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.6% to $58.02.
The modest rebound follows a steep drop on Wednesday, with prices still hovering near four-year lows. The dip was driven by mixed U.S. inventory data, signaling cooling fuel demand, and ongoing concerns over global economic weakness.
While Trump’s announcement of a “major” trade deal provided short-term support, uncertainty around his broader tariff agenda continues to weigh on oil markets. The President had previously imposed sweeping reciprocal tariffs, with a 90-day exemption granted to all countries except China. Talks with Beijing are ongoing, but Trump reaffirmed he has no intention of lowering the current 145% tariffs, adding further strain to U.S.-China trade relations.
Investor sentiment remains fragile amid rising fears of a global economic slowdown. The Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, coupled with warnings of increased economic risks from trade disruptions and potential inflation, has added to market volatility.
Adding to bearish pressure, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) announced plans to ramp up oil production significantly in June. However, this was partially offset by reports from several major U.S. producers indicating a slowdown in domestic output due to falling prices and reduced capital spending.
Despite Thursday’s uptick, crude markets remain under pressure from a combination of sluggish demand and rising supply. Traders are closely watching upcoming economic data and geopolitical developments for further direction in oil prices.
