Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
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 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
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.
