Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil prices edged lower in Asian trading Monday as markets reacted to looming U.S. tariffs and developments in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. Brent crude futures for May delivery slipped 0.4% to $71.88 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 0.3% to $67.67.
The decline comes after two straight weeks of gains, fueled by renewed U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil. However, investors are growing cautious ahead of new trade tariffs expected from U.S. President Donald Trump, who plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. Reports indicate a more targeted strategy, focusing on around 15 nations with significant trade imbalances—dubbed the “dirty 15”—which may include G-20 members such as China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. These measures are raising concerns of trade disruptions and broader market volatility.
Meanwhile, hopes for progress in U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine added further pressure on oil. A U.S. delegation is scheduled to meet Russian officials Monday to discuss potential ceasefire efforts in the Black Sea and broader peace strategies. A successful outcome could lead to an increase in Russian oil exports, weighing on global prices.
Capping further losses, OPEC+ reaffirmed plans for additional production cuts by seven member countries to offset prior overproduction. These cuts—ranging from 189,000 to 435,000 barrels per day—will remain in place until June 2026, countering the group’s scheduled production increases starting in April.
Investors continue to monitor geopolitical risks, trade policy shifts, and supply outlooks, all of which remain key drivers for oil market volatility. As markets digest the potential impact of tariffs and the peace talks' outcome, oil prices could see further fluctuations in the short term.
