Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
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 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil prices climbed in Asian trading on Monday after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) announced plans to pause production increases in the coming quarter. The move came amid growing concerns about an oversupply in the market and weaker global demand, helping stabilize prices that had previously faced downward pressure.
Brent crude futures for January rose 0.6% to $65.18 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 0.7% to $61.01 by 19:00 ET (00:00 GMT). The decision by OPEC+ to hold off on further production hikes in early 2026 followed a small increase of 137,000 barrels per day in December, consistent with the levels set for October and November. Overall, the group has raised output by about 2.9 million barrels per day in 2025, largely reversing the supply cuts implemented over the past two years to regain market share and offset low oil prices.
The cartel cited concerns about a potential supply glut and sluggish demand in the first quarter of 2026, traditionally one of the weakest periods for global oil consumption. Despite recent price gains, crude markets remain sensitive to signs of slowing economic growth and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt supply chains.
Adding to price support, Ukrainian forces launched a strike on one of Russia’s main Black Sea oil ports on Sunday, escalating fears of further disruptions in global energy supply. The attack, part of Kyiv’s broader strategy to undermine Russia’s war operations, followed Russian airstrikes on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region that caused widespread power outages.
Meanwhile, U.S. sanctions on major Russian oil firms have tightened supply expectations, though analysts remain cautious as Russia has previously circumvented restrictions. Ongoing geopolitical risks and OPEC+ production restraint are expected to keep oil markets on edge in the near term.
