Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
U.S. Inflation Cools in January as Gas Prices Fall, Core CPI Signals Sticky Price Pressures 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
U.S. Stocks End Mixed as January CPI Cools, Treasury Yields Slide 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
Fed Governor Stephen Miran Warns Tight Monetary Policy Threatens U.S. Economic Growth 
Oil Prices Steady as Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks and OPEC+ Output Plans Shape Market Outlook 
Asian Stock Markets Trade in Narrow Range as Japan GDP Misses Forecasts, Hang Seng Gains 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Asian Markets Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Oil prices edged lower during early Asian trading on Thursday, retreating slightly after a sharp 4% rally in the previous session. Investors are closely monitoring rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran, while also weighing diplomatic efforts aimed at easing conflict in the strategically important oil-producing region.
Brent crude futures slipped 12 cents, or 0.2%, to $70.23 per barrel by 0110 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $65.11 per barrel. Despite the minor pullback, both oil benchmarks closed more than 4% higher on Wednesday, marking their strongest settlement levels since January 30. The surge reflected growing concerns over potential oil supply disruptions linked to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
Market analysts note that while geopolitical risks remain elevated, traders are adopting a cautious stance. Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist at Nissan Securities Investment, said that although tensions between Washington and Tehran persist, investors generally believe a full-scale military conflict is unlikely. He added that any potential U.S. military response would likely involve limited, short-term air strikes rather than a prolonged confrontation. Additionally, U.S. President Donald Trump is widely seen as reluctant to allow a significant spike in crude oil prices.
Diplomatic discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Geneva reportedly made limited progress this week. The White House indicated that negotiations are ongoing, with Iran expected to present further details in the coming weeks. However, Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) announcing planned rocket launches in southern regions, while the U.S. has deployed warships near Iranian waters. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Washington is evaluating whether to continue diplomatic engagement or pursue alternative measures.
Meanwhile, global energy markets are also tracking the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as peace talks concluded without significant progress. On the supply side, American Petroleum Institute data showed declines in U.S. crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories last week, contrary to expectations for a crude stock build. Traders now await official U.S. Energy Information Administration data for further direction in the volatile oil market.
