Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data as Fed Rate Hike Expectations Stay Elevated 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
US Stock Futures Rise as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Market Sentiment 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Oil prices declined for a second straight day as concerns over U.S. tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China fueled fears of a global economic slowdown, impacting energy demand. Meanwhile, OPEC+ is set to increase oil production, adding further pressure on prices.
Brent crude fell 0.42% to $68.99 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 0.55% to $65.67. Market uncertainty surged as U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies disrupted global markets. His administration has imposed, delayed, and raised tariffs on major oil suppliers, prompting retaliatory actions from China and Canada. Trump acknowledged the possibility of an economic "transition period" but refrained from predicting a recession.
Investor concerns over slowing demand triggered a sell-off, with the S&P 500 suffering its biggest one-day drop since December 18. The Nasdaq plummeted 4%, marking its steepest decline since September 2022. Analysts fear continued tariff tensions could further weaken economic growth and energy demand.
On the supply side, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that OPEC+ will boost oil production starting in April, with the possibility of reversing the decision if market conditions warrant. Meanwhile, U.S. crude stockpiles were expected to have risen last week, according to a Reuters poll. Reports from the American Petroleum Institute and the Energy Information Administration are anticipated to provide further insights.
The combination of trade tensions, stock market volatility, and increasing oil supply continues to drive uncertainty in global energy markets, keeping investors on edge.
