Australia Unemployment Hits Five-Year High Despite Strong Jobs Growth 
China Agrees to Buy 20 Million Tons of U.S. Coal 
Japanese Yen Rebounds as Trump Flags Currency Weakness 
Fed Unveils Stablecoin Rules Under GENIUS Act 
Dollar Falls as Oil Eases, Yen Jumps on Intervention Signals 
Oil Prices Fall on U.S.-Iran Hormuz Deal Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Hits Two-Month High as Oil, Treasury Yields Surge 
US Comfortable With Canada Trade Standoff as Import Bans Loom 
Gold Prices Fall as Treasury Yields Rise on Fed Rate Hike Bets 
Wall Street Ends Flat as Oil, Treasury Yields and Fed Jitters Rattle Markets 
Soybean Futures Slip as Traders Await Trump-Xi Trade Signals 
U.S. Treasury Yields Surge as 30-Year Hits 22-Year High 
European Stocks Fall as Bond Yields and Geopolitical Risks Weigh 
Fed Unveils Stablecoin Rules Under GENIUS Act 
Trump, Xi Focus on Trade and AI at White House Summit 
Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High as Yen Approaches 160 
Canadian Dollar Faces Pressure as Fed-BoC Policy Gap Widens 
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Oil Prices Decline Amid Easing Middle East Tensions
Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trading on Monday, driven by reduced fears of a Middle East conflict after Israel’s recent military strike on Iran was less damaging than anticipated.
Impact of Israeli Strike on Oil Prices
Brent Oil Futures for December delivery decreased by 4.1%, settling at $72.97 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 4.2% to $68.76 per barrel as of 19:57 ET (23:57 GMT). Both contracts approached their lowest levels since early October. The Israeli strike targeted several Iranian military installations but notably avoided major oil production and nuclear sites, assuaging fears of a significant escalation that could disrupt oil supplies from this crude-rich region.
Iran’s Response and Ongoing Conflict
While Iran downplayed the attack’s impact, it threatened retaliation. Although the recent strike alleviated concerns about an immediate conflict escalation, the broader situation in the Middle East remains tense, with Israel continuing its offensive against Hamas and Hezbollah.
Upcoming Economic Data Influencing Oil Demand
Beyond geopolitical tensions, this week will see the release of crucial economic data that could further influence global oil demand. Reports on U.S. and eurozone gross domestic product (GDP) are expected soon, alongside the PCE price index, which is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. Additionally, the Purchasing Managers' Index data from China, the world’s largest oil importer, will provide insights following significant recent stimulus measures.
