Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Yen Slides as Japan Election Boosts Fiscal Stimulus Expectations 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Indian Refiners Scale Back Russian Oil Imports as U.S.-India Trade Deal Advances 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Nikkei 225 Hits Record High Above 56,000 After Japan Election Boosts Market Confidence 
Oil prices dipped in Asian trading on Monday as markets remained cautious ahead of potential new U.S. tariffs and a possible Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. Brent crude held steady at $74.76 a barrel, while WTI futures for March hovered at $70.69.
Investor sentiment was dampened by renewed trade war fears after President Trump’s tariff announcements last week, which could slow global economic growth and reduce crude demand. Analysts highlighted concerns over escalating U.S.-China trade tensions impacting energy markets.
Trump also hinted at an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. A peace deal could lift sanctions on Russian oil exports, boosting global supply and offsetting OPEC+ production cuts implemented earlier this year. Russia, a top oil producer, could significantly influence market dynamics if export restrictions ease.
Markets are also eyeing U.S. Federal Reserve comments this week after mixed inflation data. The Consumer Price Index rose 3% annually in January, up from 2.9% in December, tempering expectations for imminent interest rate cuts. Higher interest rates could strengthen the U.S. dollar, making oil more expensive for non-dollar holders and potentially reducing demand. Conversely, dovish signals could weaken the dollar, supporting oil prices.
