Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Oil prices slipped slightly in early Asian trading on Wednesday as increased OPEC+ output and global economic concerns outweighed recent gains. Brent crude fell 5 cents to $65.58 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined 9 cents to $63.32.
The retreat followed a 2% rise on Tuesday, driven by fears of supply disruptions from wildfires in Canada and uncertainty over U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Market participants expect Iran to reject the latest U.S. deal proposal, which would have eased oil-related sanctions.
Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute, noted that despite Canadian supply concerns and halted Iran talks, oil markets are struggling to extend gains. Rising output from OPEC+ is capping price momentum, he said.
Geopolitical tensions also weigh on sentiment. While a potential call between U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping is anticipated this week, investor optimism remains muted amid prolonged tariff disputes. Trump recently accused China of reneging on tariff rollback commitments, prompting the U.S. to demand trade concessions from partners by Wednesday.
Economic outlooks have dimmed further. The OECD slashed its global growth forecast on Tuesday, citing mounting damage from the trade war. Analysts fear continued uncertainty will dampen energy demand.
Meanwhile, Canadian wildfires continue to disrupt crude output, adding volatility to supply dynamics. In the U.S., crude inventories dropped by 3.3 million barrels last week, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Gasoline stocks, however, rose by 4.7 million barrels, and distillate inventories increased by 760,000 barrels.
A Reuters survey predicted a smaller 1 million barrel draw in crude stocks. Traders now await official inventory data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) for further direction.
