Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Yen Firms on Intervention Talk 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Markets Brace for Jobs and Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Slip in Asian Trade as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
India–US Trade Deal: Digital Tax Removal and $500 Billion Purchase Commitment Signal Major Policy Shift 
Asian Markets Surge as Japan Election, Fed Rate Cut Bets, and Tech Rally Lift Global Sentiment 
Australian Business Conditions Ease Slightly in January as Cost Pressures Hit Post-Pandemic Lows 
Lee Seung-heon Signals Caution on Rate Hikes, Supports Higher Property Taxes to Cool Korea’s Housing Market 
Singapore GDP Surges in Q4 2025 as Government Raises 2026 Growth Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Dollar Retreats Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Indian Refiners Scale Back Russian Oil Imports as U.S.-India Trade Deal Advances 
Dollar Slips Ahead of Key U.S. Data as Yen Holds Post-Election Gains 
Russia Condemns U.S. Sanctions as Cuba Faces Critical Fuel Crisis 
Oil prices edged higher on Monday following optimistic signals from U.S.-China trade talks over the weekend. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.4%, to $64.18 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 28 cents, or 0.5%, to $61.30. Both benchmarks had climbed more than $1 on Friday, capping a strong weekly gain of over 4%—their first since mid-April—amid easing fears of global economic strain from U.S. tariffs.
Investor sentiment improved after both Washington and Beijing described their discussions as productive. U.S. officials spoke of a "deal" aimed at reducing the trade deficit, while Chinese authorities reported reaching an "important consensus." A joint statement is expected Monday. Progress between the world's top two oil consumers is seen as bullish for crude demand, as trade normalization could drive higher industrial and transportation activity.
However, gains were tempered by plans from OPEC and allies (OPEC+) to increase oil output in May and June. Despite this, a Reuters survey revealed that OPEC production slightly declined in April, suggesting only a limited impact on supply. Analyst Toshitaka Tazawa of Fujitomi Securities noted that optimism over trade talks lifted sentiment, but rising supply and limited details from negotiations capped the rally.
Elsewhere, talks in Oman between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program ended with plans for further dialogue. A potential nuclear agreement could lead to increased Iranian oil exports, adding downward pressure on prices. Meanwhile, U.S. energy firms cut oil and gas rigs to their lowest level since January, according to Baker Hughes, signaling a possible slowdown in domestic output growth.
