Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Tech and Financial Stocks Weigh on Markets Amid Thin Holiday Trading 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady as Markets Await Fed Policy Clues in Holiday-Thinned Trade 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Oil prices fell sharply during Asian trading on Wednesday as markets reacted to comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Venezuela could soon supply tens of millions of barrels of crude oil to the United States. The development fueled concerns over rising global oil supply and added pressure to already struggling crude markets.
Brent crude futures for March dropped around 1% to trade near $60.11 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined about 1.1% to $56.29 per barrel. The losses extended a weak trend seen earlier in the week, with oil prices on track for their worst annual performance in five years amid persistent oversupply worries.
Trump stated via social media that Venezuela would deliver between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to Washington, with the U.S. selling the crude at market prices. According to Trump, the proceeds would be controlled by the U.S. government to benefit both Venezuela and the United States. The announcement follows the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, after which Trump said Washington was assuming control of Venezuela and planned to reopen its oil industry.
Markets interpreted these moves as a signal that U.S. sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector could be lifted, potentially releasing large volumes of crude back into global markets. While geopolitical uncertainty added some risk premium to prices, oil remained under pressure due to expectations of a supply glut, especially looking ahead to 2026.
However, analysts cautioned that Venezuela’s oil production may not rebound quickly. Years of underinvestment, aging infrastructure, political instability, and limited storage capacity could delay any meaningful increase in output. Data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler suggested near-term production gains are unlikely.
Oil traders are also closely watching developments around a possible Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. The U.S. recently joined European allies in pledging security guarantees to Kyiv and offered to assist with ceasefire monitoring. Any breakthrough could eventually ease sanctions on Russia, potentially adding more oil supply to the market and further weighing on crude prices.
