Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
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Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
Asian Stocks Waver as Trump Signals Fed Pick, Shutdown Deal and Tech Earnings Stir Markets 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
Gold Prices Hit Record High Above $5,500 as Iran Strike Fears Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
UK Vehicle Production Falls Sharply in 2025 Amid Cyberattack, Tariffs, and Industry Restructuring 
Oil prices climbed in Asian trading Tuesday after the U.S. imposed fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector, raising concerns over potential supply disruptions.
Brent crude futures rose 0.6% to $75.19 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.7% to $70.92.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s latest sanctions target over 30 entities and individuals involved in Iran’s oil supply chain, including brokers and tanker operators in the UAE, Hong Kong, and China. This move intensifies Washington’s pressure on Tehran, aiming to curb its petroleum exports, particularly to major buyer China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of severe sanctions risks for those dealing in Iranian oil.
Oil markets reacted with modest gains as investors weighed the impact of these restrictions on global supply. However, uncertainty lingers as geopolitical shifts may counteract bullish sentiment.
Possible cease-fire agreements between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas could ease supply concerns, offsetting price gains. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is reportedly reconsidering plans to ramp up production due to weak demand and growing non-OPEC supply. Originally set for April 2025, production hikes have been repeatedly delayed, supporting prices.
Despite these factors, analysts project the global oil market to return to surplus next year, potentially driving prices lower. Additionally, the resumption of Iraqi oil exports from the Kurdish region may further influence market dynamics.
With heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting supply-demand forces, the oil market remains volatile, keeping investors on edge.
