Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Markets End Year on AI Optimism as Precious Metals and Currencies Shine 
Singapore GDP Growth Surges in 2025 but Outlook Remains Cautious Amid Global Trade Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Oil prices held steady on Thursday after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate as expected and signaled more reductions later this year. Brent crude slipped 0.12% to $67.87 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.16% to $63.95.
The Fed lowered its policy rate by a quarter percentage point on Wednesday, highlighting concerns over a weakening labor market. Analysts suggest cheaper borrowing costs could stimulate economic activity, lifting oil demand. According to Rystad Energy’s chief economist Claudio Galimberti, Brent may see support from further Fed cuts despite bearish pressure from OPEC+ increasing supply.
On the supply side, U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed crude inventories dropped sharply last week, with net imports at record lows and exports hitting a two-year high. However, distillate stocks rose by 4 million barrels—far exceeding the expected 1 million increase—raising concerns about demand in the world’s largest oil consumer.
Global oil demand averaged 104.4 million barrels per day through September 17, according to JP Morgan, marking a year-on-year rise of 0.52 million barrels. Year-to-date demand growth stands at 0.8 million barrels, nearly in line with the bank’s forecast of 0.83 million. The bank noted easing flight activity in the U.S. and China after the peak travel season, offset by growing demand in Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Overall, while OPEC+ supply growth may pressure prices, the Fed’s accommodative policy stance and resilient global demand suggest underlying support for oil markets in the months ahead.
