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 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
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 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Oil prices edged lower in early Asian trading on Thursday, easing after a sharp rally fueled by escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Brent crude futures dipped 0.4% to $69.47 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell 0.4% to $67.95, retracing part of Wednesday’s 4% surge.
The previous session’s rally was driven by geopolitical risks after the U.S. authorized voluntary departures of military dependents from bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. This move, amid rising tensions with Iran, sparked fears of potential disruptions to crude supply across the Gulf—a key global oil hub. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed doubt about reaching a nuclear deal with Iran, warning that military options remain if talks fail. Iran's defense minister responded by threatening retaliation against U.S. bases in the region.
Oil markets reacted swiftly to the heightened risk of conflict, as any escalation could impact key shipping lanes and energy infrastructure, adding a geopolitical risk premium to crude prices.
Meanwhile, investor sentiment was also influenced by progress in U.S.-China trade negotiations. President Trump stated that a framework deal is “done,” pending final approval by him and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The deal includes export licenses for China’s rare earth minerals and allows Chinese students to remain in the U.S., while maintaining existing tariffs on both sides.
Trump also noted that letters will soon be sent to major trade partners, outlining “take it or leave it” terms ahead of a July 9 deadline tied to the suspension of broader “liberation day” tariffs.
The easing of trade uncertainty has improved the global economic outlook, potentially boosting future oil demand. However, geopolitical risks remain a key driver of near-term price volatility.
