India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
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 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Oil prices continued to decline in Asian trading on Friday, hitting their lowest levels in five months as global markets reacted to geopolitical developments and growing concerns about oversupply. Brent crude futures slipped 0.2% to $60.95 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.2% to $57.36 per barrel by 21:14 ET (01:14 GMT). Both benchmarks were poised for a third consecutive weekly loss, falling between 2.5% and 2.9%.
The downturn came after U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet in Budapest to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The announcement followed reports that Trump would also speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While no date was set, the meeting marks the leaders’ second encounter since their August summit in Alaska. Analysts said progress toward a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire could pressure oil prices further, as it might lead to easing U.S. sanctions on Moscow and allow Russian oil exports to increase.
Adding to the bearish sentiment, U.S. data showed crude inventories rising by 3.5 million barrels last week, exceeding expectations and signaling weaker demand ahead of the winter season. Although gasoline and distillate stockpiles declined, the overall inventory build sparked concerns about slowing consumption.
Global demand worries were amplified by weak economic data from China and renewed trade tensions with the United States. The International Energy Agency (IEA) further dampened sentiment, forecasting a larger-than-expected supply surplus in 2026 and warning of deteriorating oil demand.
Oil prices briefly found support after Trump suggested India might halt Russian oil imports, but Indian officials offered little clarity. With geopolitical uncertainty, oversupply risks, and weakening demand, crude markets remain under pressure, suggesting further downside potential in the near term.
