Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil prices climbed on Thursday as optimism over U.S. trade negotiations and a significant decline in crude inventories boosted market sentiment. Brent crude futures rose 0.4% to $68.75 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 0.4% to $65.50.
The increase follows President Donald Trump’s tariff agreement with Japan, which lowers auto import duties and includes a $550 billion U.S.-bound investment package. Analysts say progress in U.S.-EU trade talks, which may include a 15% baseline tariff with potential exemptions, is also improving risk appetite. However, ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and unresolved Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations continue to cap further gains.
U.S. Energy Information Administration data showed crude inventories fell by 3.2 million barrels to 419 million last week, surpassing expectations of a 1.6 million-barrel draw. This stronger-than-expected decline eased supply concerns, supporting price stability.
Geopolitical risks remain in focus, with Russia and Ukraine engaging in talks over prisoner swaps but failing to bridge differences on a ceasefire. Additionally, foreign oil tankers were temporarily barred from loading at Russia’s Black Sea ports due to new regulations, disrupting exports from Kazakhstan via a consortium partly owned by U.S. energy companies.
The U.S. energy secretary indicated Washington may consider sanctioning Russian oil to pressure Moscow, while the European Union recently approved its 18th sanctions package, including a reduced price cap on Russian crude.
Analysts forecast WTI prices will remain range-bound between $60 and $70 in the near term, as traders weigh supply-side factors and geopolitical developments impacting global energy markets.
