RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Oil prices edged higher in early Asian trading on Wednesday amid concerns over tighter global supply. The move came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on countries importing oil and gas from Venezuela, a major crude exporter. Brent crude futures rose 25 cents (0.3%) to $73.27 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude climbed 28 cents (0.4%) to $69.28.
Trump’s executive order, signed Monday, allows the imposition of 25% tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act on imports from nations purchasing Venezuelan crude and liquid fuels. China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer and a current target of U.S. tariffs, is directly impacted.
Further pressuring Venezuelan output, the U.S. extended Chevron’s license to operate in the country until May 27. Analysts at ANZ noted that losing Chevron’s presence could slash Venezuela’s oil production by 200,000 barrels per day.
Adding to bullish sentiment, the American Petroleum Institute reported a 4.6 million barrel drop in U.S. crude inventories for the week ending March 21, far exceeding analysts’ expectations of a 1 million barrel decline. Official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is expected later Wednesday.
However, gains were capped after the U.S. reached temporary agreements with Ukraine and Russia to pause maritime and energy-related attacks. Washington also committed to pushing for the easing of some sanctions on Moscow. Despite the deal, both Kyiv and Moscow voiced doubts about each other’s compliance.
Investors remain focused on geopolitical tensions and supply risks, with global energy markets reacting strongly to U.S. foreign policy developments and unexpected shifts in crude stockpiles.
