Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Fed’s Dovish Tone Sends Dollar Lower as Markets Price In More Rate Cuts 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Oil prices slipped in Asian trading on Monday, extending last week's losses as weak U.S. economic data fueled concerns over slowing demand. Brent crude fell 0.3% to $74.24 per barrel, while WTI declined 0.4% to $69.97.
Recent U.S. data pointed to a potential economic slowdown, weighing on oil markets. February’s Services PMI dropped to 50.4 from 52.7 in January, signaling weaker private-sector growth. Meanwhile, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index hit a 15-month low at 64.7, reflecting inflation worries and proposed tariffs.
Investors are also closely watching peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which could impact global energy markets. The U.S. is mediating talks, with President Donald Trump engaging in high-level discussions. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insists on Ukraine’s direct involvement. A peace deal could ease sanctions on Russian energy exports, boosting oil supply and potentially lowering natural gas prices in Europe.
Despite the dip, supply disruptions limited further losses. The Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) saw reduced oil flows of 30-40% after a Ukrainian drone struck Russia’s Kropotkinskaya pumping station. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is considering postponing planned production hikes initially set for April, further tightening supply.
With economic concerns dampening demand and geopolitical factors influencing supply, oil markets remain volatile. Investors will monitor upcoming economic reports and diplomatic developments for further price direction.
