Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Oil Prices Hold Steady Amid U.S. SPR Purchases and Demand Uncertainty
Brent crude futures saw a modest rise of $0.03 to $71.45 per barrel early Tuesday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) increased by $0.07 to $67.45 per barrel. This stability follows a steep 6% decline on Monday after Israel's weekend strikes against military targets in Iran, which spared Iranian oil infrastructure, calming fears of an extended conflict.
Middle East Tensions and U.S. Response
Middle Eastern tensions remain high, with Iran pledging to respond to Israel's recent attacks. The U.S. has warned Iran of “severe consequences” should it escalate aggression in the region, yet analysts see limited near-term risk to oil supply. ING Economics noted that while geopolitical concerns are significant, bearish market fundamentals may dominate through 2025.
U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) Plan
The U.S. government announced plans to purchase up to 3 million barrels of crude for the SPR by May 2025, injecting some stability into the market. However, limited funding means further buys are dependent on future congressional approval. Meanwhile, China's sluggish demand growth and delayed peak winter heating season in the Northern Hemisphere could weigh on global oil prices.
U.S. Inventory Update
A preliminary Reuters poll indicated a likely rise in U.S. crude and gasoline inventories last week, with distillate stocks possibly down. Industry data from the American Petroleum Institute is expected Tuesday, while the U.S. Energy Information Administration will release its report on Wednesday.
