Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Oil prices extended losses in early Asian trading Thursday, pressured by fresh geopolitical developments and a surprise surge in U.S. crude inventories. Brent crude futures for June delivery fell 1.6% to $65.04 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 1.7% to $61.62, retreating from a two-week high.
The decline followed a report from NBC News indicating Iran is open to a nuclear deal with U.S. President Donald Trump—on the condition that all economic sanctions are lifted. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated Iran is ready to permanently forgo nuclear weapons and accept full international inspections if U.S. sanctions are removed. This marks the clearest sign yet from Tehran’s leadership of willingness to negotiate, although skepticism remains high due to Trump’s continued “maximum pressure” stance and fresh U.S. sanctions targeting Iranian oil shipments to China.
Investor sentiment was further rattled by data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which showed an unexpected 3.5 million-barrel increase in commercial crude inventories for the week ending May 9, reaching 441.8 million barrels. Analysts had anticipated a drawdown of 2 million barrels. The surprise build raised concerns about oversupply amid sluggish demand, especially as OPEC+ maintains its aggressive output increases.
The twin pressures of potential geopolitical de-escalation with Iran and signs of a supply glut triggered a sharp market reaction, with both benchmark oil contracts dropping more than $1 per barrel post-report. Traders now eye further signals from U.S.-Iran negotiations and upcoming economic data for direction. As volatility returns, oil markets remain sensitive to both diplomatic headlines and supply-demand imbalances.
