Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
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Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Surge on OPEC+ Output Delay
Oil prices experienced significant gains on Monday, climbing more than $1 following OPEC+’s decision to delay output increases. This market movement comes as the U.S. prepares for a presidential election and China’s key economic meeting.
Price Movements
By 0402 GMT, Brent crude futures rose by $1.18, or 1.61%, to $74.28 per barrel. Similarly, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by $1.21, or 1.74%, reaching $70.70 per barrel. OPEC+ announced on Sunday that it would maintain its 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) output cut for an additional month in December, following a previous delay from October due to falling prices and weak demand.
Market Implications
While analysts from ING noted that this delay does not significantly alter market fundamentals, it may compel investors to reevaluate OPEC+’s strategy. The decision contradicts some market expectations for an output hike and indicates the group’s willingness to support oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Current Market Sentiments
Despite a recent weekly decline of approximately 4% for Brent and 3% for WTI due to record U.S. output, prices rebounded on Friday amid reports of potential Iranian military action against Israel. Market strategist Yeap Jun Rong cautioned that the upward trend in oil prices may face resistance, particularly around the $78.50 mark.
Upcoming Economic Events
As markets await the U.S. presidential election results, with polls indicating a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, attention will also turn to the Federal Reserve's anticipated interest rate cut and China’s stimulus measures aimed at revitalizing its economy.
