BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
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 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
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.
