U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
Oil prices edged higher in Asian trading on Wednesday due to renewed concerns over global supply disruptions. Key drivers included looming U.S. sanctions on Russia, a U.S. export ban on Venezuelan crude, and stalled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations—all ahead of a critical OPEC+ meeting.
As of 21:28 ET, Brent crude futures for July delivery rose 0.7% to $64.54 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 0.7% to $61.33. The rise follows the U.S. decision to bar Chevron (NYSE:CVX) from exporting oil from Venezuela. Although Chevron can maintain its Venezuelan assets, it cannot extract or export crude, tightening the overall supply outlook.
Markets are also on edge due to the upcoming OPEC+ meeting, where member states may agree to a 411,000 barrels-per-day output increase for July. The group has been gradually unwinding previous production cuts, having already boosted output in May and June. While this suggests increased future supply, geopolitical uncertainties continue to weigh heavily.
U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire,” hinting at further sanctions that could disrupt Russian energy exports. Such moves would tighten the global oil market further, fueling bullish sentiment.
Meanwhile, the fifth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks ended with minimal progress, especially regarding uranium enrichment—a sticking point that could delay any deal and prolong sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Investors are also awaiting delayed inventory data from the American Petroleum Institute, typically a weekly signal for short-term oil demand and supply trends. The delay, caused by the U.S. Memorial Day holiday, adds another layer of uncertainty.
Together, geopolitical risks and supply constraints are reinforcing upward pressure on oil prices, with markets closely watching OPEC+ decisions and U.S. foreign policy developments.
