Nikkei 225 Hits Record High Above 56,000 After Japan Election Boosts Market Confidence 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
UK Starting Salaries See Strongest Growth in 18 Months as Hiring Sentiment Improves 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Australian Household Spending Dips in December as RBA Tightens Policy 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Yen Slides as Japan Election Boosts Fiscal Stimulus Expectations 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Indian Refiners Scale Back Russian Oil Imports as U.S.-India Trade Deal Advances 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Global oil prices opened the week lower, sliding more than 1% on Monday as investor concerns over a potential conflict in the Middle East eased following diplomatic progress between the United States and Iran. The decline reflects reduced geopolitical risk premiums after both countries concluded a round of nuclear talks last week, signaling a possible path toward de-escalation.
Brent crude futures dropped by 89 cents, or 1.31%, to trade at $67.16 per barrel by 2309 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also saw losses, falling 79 cents, or 1.24%, to settle at $62.76 per barrel. The pullback came after recent gains driven by fears that rising tensions could disrupt oil supplies in the Middle East, a region that plays a critical role in global energy markets.
Market sentiment shifted after Iran’s top diplomat described the U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions, mediated by Oman, as getting off to a “good start.” He added that negotiations are set to continue, a statement that helped calm fears that stalled talks could push the region closer to military confrontation. For oil traders, the prospect of ongoing dialogue reduced immediate worries about supply disruptions, sanctions escalation, or retaliatory actions that could affect crude exports.
Oil prices are highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly involving Iran, a major oil producer whose exports have been constrained by U.S. sanctions. Any progress toward a nuclear agreement could eventually lead to increased Iranian oil supply entering the global market, adding downward pressure on prices. At the same time, easing tensions between Washington and Tehran lowers the risk of conflict in strategic shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the current dip, analysts note that oil markets remain volatile, influenced by a mix of geopolitical risks, global demand trends, and production decisions by major exporters. Investors will be closely watching future developments in the U.S.-Iran talks, as well as broader Middle East dynamics, for clues on the next direction of crude oil prices.
