Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Oil prices extended gains in early Asian trading Wednesday following fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran and a larger-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories. Market sentiment was also lifted after President Donald Trump softened his stance on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and voiced optimism on trade relations with China.
Brent crude futures for June rose 1% to $68.12 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 1% to $63.58, building on Tuesday’s nearly 2% jump for both benchmarks.
The U.S. Treasury announced sanctions targeting Seyed Asadoollah Emamjomeh, a key figure in Iran’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry, and his affiliated companies. Officials accused him of exporting LPG, including from the U.S., to bypass sanctions and finance Iran’s activities in the Middle East. The move underscores Washington’s strategy to curb Tehran’s energy income amid ongoing nuclear negotiations. The next round of expert-level talks is set for Saturday in Oman.
Meanwhile, Trump scaled back his rhetoric against Fed Chair Powell, moving away from calls for dismissal and instead expressing confidence in the central bank. He also suggested trade discussions with China could result in reduced tariffs, though “not to zero,” signaling a less confrontational stance.
In addition, the American Petroleum Institute (API) reported a sharp 4.565 million-barrel draw in U.S. crude stockpiles for the week ending April 18, reversing the prior week’s 2.4 million-barrel build. The unexpected decline hints at tightening supply, possibly from increased refinery output or rising exports. Investors await confirmation from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) later today.
These developments collectively point to bullish momentum in the oil market, driven by geopolitical risks, shifting U.S. monetary policy tone, and improving trade sentiment.
