Soybean Futures Slip as Traders Await Trump-Xi Trade Signals 
Oil Prices Ease as Iran Tensions Clash With Diplomacy Hopes 
US 10-Year Treasury Yield at 6% Emerges as New Market Risk Threshold 
RBI Uses $10 Billion Currency Swaps to Drain Excess Rupee Liquidity 
Australia Unemployment Hits Five-Year High Despite Strong Jobs Growth 
Asian Stocks Fall as Bond Yields Surge Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
South Korea, US Discuss Warship Building Cooperation 
U.S. Dollar Hits Two-Month High as Oil, Treasury Yields Surge 
Oil Prices Jump 3% as Houthi Attack Revives Supply Fears 
Russian Envoy Dmitriev Heads to US for Ukraine Talks 
US Stock Futures Fall as Treasury Yields Surge Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
US, China Extend Trade Truce to Jan. 10 Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
China’s ‘Lipstick King’ Says AI Won’t Replace Livestream Hosts 
Mexico-US Trade Talks Delayed to October as Tariff Negotiations Continue 
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Hits 2007 High as Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise 
Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High as Yen Approaches 160 
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Asian markets inched higher on Monday while oil prices remained stable, as investors weighed geopolitical developments in the Middle East alongside a packed week of corporate earnings and economic data. Sentiment improved modestly after signs of limited diplomatic progress, though risks in the region continue to influence global markets.
Brent crude traded near $108.30 per barrel, while U.S. crude hovered around $102.01, both recovering from earlier losses. Concerns remain over the safety of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil supply. Reports of a bulk carrier being attacked near Iran’s Sirik region have added to uncertainty, even as potential U.S. naval support is expected to secure the area.
U.S. efforts to assist stranded vessels were highlighted by former President Donald Trump, who mentioned deploying significant military resources, including naval ships, aircraft, and personnel. Meanwhile, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a U.S. response to its diplomatic proposal, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low.
Equity markets showed modest gains across the region. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.6%, while South Korean stocks jumped 2.6% after reopening from a holiday. Japanese markets were quieter due to a public holiday, leaving Nikkei futures only slightly higher.
Global investors are closely watching earnings reports this week, with over 100 major companies set to release results, including AMD, Palantir, Disney, and McDonald’s. Despite strong earnings growth forecasts, analysts note that stock reactions to positive results have been limited.
Central banks remain in focus as rising energy prices fuel inflation concerns. Expectations for further interest rate hikes have increased across major economies, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of England. Upcoming U.S. payroll data is expected to play a key role in shaping monetary policy outlook.
In currency markets, the U.S. dollar softened slightly against the yen and euro, while gold prices edged lower, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid ongoing global uncertainty.
