Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Oil prices held largely steady on Monday as investors weighed the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and monitored U.S. fuel demand trends.
Brent crude futures inched up 3 cents to $67.02 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 8 cents to $62.77. Both benchmarks gained over 1% last week as Ukraine intensified strikes on Russian oil facilities, including the Primorsk export terminal and the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery.
Primorsk, the largest oil port in western Russia, can load about 1 million barrels per day, making it a critical export hub. The Kirishi refinery, operated by Surgutneftegaz, processes 355,000 barrels per day—roughly 6.4% of Russia’s total refining capacity. Despite disruptions, Bashkortostan regional authorities confirmed production would continue following another drone strike.
JPMorgan analysts, led by Natasha Kaneva, noted that such attacks highlight a growing risk of deliberate disruptions to global oil markets, potentially driving prices higher.
Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions are escalating. U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his willingness to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, urging Europe to match Washington’s actions. “Europe is buying oil from Russia. I don’t want them to buy oil,” Trump said, pressing for stricter penalties.
At the same time, trade talks between the U.S. and China resumed in Madrid, with Washington pressing allies to impose tariffs on Chinese imports tied to Russian oil purchases.
Macroeconomic signals are also influencing sentiment. Softer U.S. job data and rising inflation have fueled concerns over slowing growth in the world’s largest oil consumer. Investors now expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates during its September 16-17 meeting, which could support energy demand.
Overall, oil markets remain sensitive to geopolitical risks, trade negotiations, and economic indicators, keeping prices in focus for global investors.
