U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
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 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
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.
