South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Oil Prices Hold Steady Amid U.S. SPR Purchases and Demand Uncertainty
Brent crude futures saw a modest rise of $0.03 to $71.45 per barrel early Tuesday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by $0.07 to $67.45 per barrel. This stability follows a steep 6% decline on Monday after Israel's weekend strikes against military targets in Iran, which spared Iranian oil infrastructure, calming fears of an extended conflict.
Middle East Tensions and U.S. Response
Middle Eastern tensions remain high, with Iran pledging to respond to Israel's recent attacks. The U.S. has warned Iran of “severe consequences” should it escalate aggression in the region, yet analysts see limited near-term risk to oil supply. ING Economics noted that while geopolitical concerns are significant, bearish market fundamentals may dominate through 2025.
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Plan
The U.S. government announced plans to purchase up to 3 million barrels of crude for the SPR by May 2025, injecting some stability into the market. However, limited funding means further buys are dependent on future congressional approval. Meanwhile, China's sluggish demand growth and delayed peak winter heating season in the Northern Hemisphere could weigh on global oil prices.
U.S. Inventory Update
A preliminary Reuters poll indicated a likely rise in U.S. crude and gasoline inventories last week, with distillate stocks possibly down. Industry data from the American Petroleum Institute is expected Tuesday, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration will release its report on Wednesday.
