Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Oil prices extended their rally on Monday, building on Friday’s gains of over 2%, driven by growing geopolitical tensions and possible U.S. sanctions on Russia. Brent crude futures rose by 8 cents to $70.44 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 5 cents to $68.50.
The market is closely watching potential new sanctions from Washington as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares a major announcement on Russia, following his commitment to send Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine. Trump's dissatisfaction with President Vladimir Putin's continued aggression and lack of progress on peace negotiations has sparked bipartisan momentum for a sanctions bill in Congress, though it still requires Trump’s support.
Meanwhile, European Union envoys are finalizing their 18th sanctions package against Moscow, which could include a reduced price cap on Russian crude, increasing pressure on global supply dynamics.
Despite bullish sentiment from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicating tighter-than-expected market conditions due to peak summer demand and robust refinery activity, gains were limited. ANZ analysts noted that Saudi Arabia’s oil output exceeded its June OPEC+ quota by 430,000 barrels per day, reaching 9.8 million bpd. However, the Saudi energy ministry claims compliance, citing a marketed crude supply of 9.352 million bpd in line with voluntary targets.
Traders are also awaiting China’s preliminary commodity trade data for signals on demand strength in the world’s second-largest oil consumer. Additionally, uncertainty over U.S. tariff negotiations with major trade partners continues to weigh on investor sentiment, as the outcome could influence global economic growth and future oil demand.
Overall, oil markets remain volatile, driven by geopolitical risks, OPEC+ dynamics, and macroeconomic factors shaping demand forecasts.
