Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil prices climbed in early Wednesday trading, extending gains from the previous session as geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel stoked fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.25%) to $76.64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) added 23 cents (0.31%) to reach $75.07 per barrel.
The escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, now in its sixth day, has raised alarm over potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint responsible for about 20% of global seaborne crude. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while the Pentagon is dispatching more fighter jets to the region, signaling further military buildup.
Adding to concerns, two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of electronic interference affecting ship navigation in the area. Iran, the third-largest OPEC producer, pumps approximately 3.3 million barrels per day. However, analysts note that other OPEC members have spare capacity to compensate for potential shortfalls.
Markets are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s ongoing policy discussions. While the central bank is expected to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%, analysts suggest that rising oil prices and geopolitical risks could prompt a rate cut as early as July—sooner than the market's current forecast of September. Lower rates typically stimulate economic growth and boost oil demand.
Yet, the Fed faces a dilemma, as surging crude prices could fuel inflation. According to the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. crude and gasoline inventories fell last week, while distillate stocks rose, adding another layer of complexity to the outlook for energy markets and monetary policy.
