Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Oil prices saw a slight uptick early Thursday following a nearly 2% drop in the previous session, as markets react to potential OPEC+ output hikes, U.S.-China tariff discussions, and renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations.
Brent crude rose 6 cents to $66.18 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 7 cents to $62.34. The prior session's decline was triggered by a Reuters report suggesting some OPEC+ members may push for faster production increases in June, despite ongoing disputes over quota compliance.
Investor sentiment remains mixed amid contradictory signals from Washington regarding tariffs on Chinese imports. While The Wall Street Journal noted that the White House might lower tariffs to 50% to revive trade talks, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated current tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on U.S. exports are unsustainable. However, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that no unilateral tariff cuts are planned.
A prolonged trade standoff could dampen oil demand, with Rystad Energy forecasting China's oil demand growth could be halved to 90,000 barrels per day in 2025 if tensions persist. Meanwhile, reports from the Financial Times suggest that former President Trump may consider tariff exemptions on Chinese auto parts, which could influence trade dynamics further.
In the Middle East, U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are entering a third round this weekend. Analysts are watching for any sign of sanctions relief that could lead to increased Iranian oil exports. However, fresh U.S. sanctions imposed Tuesday on Iran’s energy sector have cast doubt over diplomatic progress, with Tehran calling the move a sign of "lack of goodwill."
With geopolitical tensions and energy diplomacy in flux, oil markets remain on edge as global supply and demand forecasts shift.
