Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
Asia Manufacturing PMI Rebounds as Exports and Tech Demand Drive Growth into 2026 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Dollar Starts 2026 Weak as Yen, Euro and Sterling Hold Firm Amid Rate Cut Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korea Factory Activity Returns to Growth in December on Export Rebound 
Oil Prices Slip Slightly as Markets Weigh Geopolitical Risks and Supply Glut Concerns 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
China Manufacturing PMI Rebounds in December, Offering Boost to Economic Growth Outlook 
South Korean Won Slides Despite Government Efforts to Stabilize Currency Markets 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Oil prices dipped slightly in Asian trading on Tuesday as market volatility eased and investors assessed the implications of the United States’ dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. While crude prices settled higher after a volatile session on Monday due to heightened geopolitical risk, uncertainty over Venezuela’s political future and global supply dynamics continued to cap gains.
Brent crude futures for March slipped 0.2% to $61.65 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 0.3% to $57.93 a barrel by 20:19 ET (01:19 GMT). A combination of profit-taking and a stronger U.S. dollar weighed on prices, with markets also grappling with the worst annual decline in oil prices in five years during 2025. Persistent concerns over a potential global supply glut in 2026 remain a key bearish factor for crude markets.
The geopolitical backdrop remains complex following Maduro’s capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, an operation confirmed by President Donald Trump and reportedly conducted without congressional approval. Maduro has pleaded not guilty to U.S. narcotics distribution charges and insists he remains Venezuela’s legitimate president. Meanwhile, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as interim president, though her stance toward the U.S. intervention remains unclear.
Trump has indicated that the U.S. will temporarily assume control of Venezuela and open its oil industry to major American energy companies. Analysts believe that, in theory, such a move could increase global oil supply and pressure crude prices over the long term. However, this outcome depends heavily on a peaceful political transition and the eventual lifting of U.S. sanctions—both of which appear uncertain.
ANZ analysts cautioned that political instability in Venezuela is likely to persist, keeping the risk of supply disruptions elevated in the short term. They also noted that instability and unclear U.S. governance plans could deter international oil companies from committing the substantial capital needed to revive Venezuela’s aging oil infrastructure. As a result, any meaningful increase in Venezuelan oil output is unlikely in the near term, leaving global oil markets focused on broader supply-demand balances and currency movements.
