Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Oil prices held steady early Friday following a sharp rally in the previous session, fueled by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and a new trade agreement between the U.S. and the UK. Brent crude inched up 7 cents to $62.91 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 7 cents to trade at $59.98 as of 0121 GMT. This comes after Brent rose 2.8% and WTI jumped 3.2% on Thursday.
Investor sentiment improved as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent prepares to meet China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng in Switzerland on May 10, aiming to resolve trade disputes that have threatened global crude oil demand. Simultaneously, U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a breakthrough trade deal, with the UK slashing tariffs on U.S. goods to 1.8% from 5.1%. The U.S., in turn, lowered duties on British car imports but retained a 10% tariff on most other goods.
Meanwhile, oil supply dynamics remain in focus. OPEC+ is expected to gradually boost output, though a Reuters survey shows April production dipped due to declines in Libya, Venezuela, and Iraq. These cuts offset scheduled increases, potentially limiting the downward pressure on prices.
Additionally, stricter U.S. sanctions on Iran could tighten global supply. Recent penalties against two Chinese refiners for purchasing Iranian crude have disrupted their operations, forcing them to offload oil under alternative labels, sources told Reuters.
While geopolitical developments support prices, rising supply from OPEC+ could cap gains in the near term. Traders are closely watching upcoming trade talks and sanctions enforcement for further market direction.
