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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Oil Prices Fall After Reaching One-Month Highs
Oil prices dipped in Asian trading on Tuesday, retracting from the one-month highs achieved last week due to heightened concerns over the Middle East conflict. Traders initiated profit-taking, pushing down Brent crude futures for December by 0.6% to $80.42 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures by 0.6% to $76.04.
Dollar Strength Limits Oil Gains
Further gains were tempered by a stronger U.S. dollar, which was buoyed by expectations of fewer U.S. interest rate cuts. A strong dollar typically makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies, limiting demand.
Hurricane Milton Poses Limited Supply Disruption
Hurricane Milton, the second major storm to hit the U.S. this month, has raised concerns about possible disruptions to oil production. While the hurricane is projected to avoid significant Gulf of Mexico oil infrastructure, some regional ports may impose restrictions, potentially delaying oil shipments.
Middle East Tensions Continue to Drive Market Anxiety
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East remains a key factor influencing oil prices. Intensified fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, alongside Iran’s involvement, has raised fears of broader regional escalation. The potential for supply disruptions from key oil-producing regions, particularly if Israel targets Iran’s oil facilities, remains a looming threat.
China's Market Reopening and Stimulus Measures
The reopening of Chinese markets, following a week-long holiday, is also being watched closely by oil traders. China, the world’s largest oil importer, recently announced major stimulus measures, which could boost oil demand and influence global prices.
