Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Oil prices jumped in early Asian trading Monday after renewed military strikes between Israel and Iran sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict and potential disruptions to global oil supply. Brent crude rose $1.70 (2.3%) to $75.93 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained $1.62 (2.2%) to $74.60. Earlier in the session, both benchmarks had surged over $4. On Friday, they closed up 7%, with intraday gains exceeding 13%—the highest levels seen since January.
The latest exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran resulted in civilian casualties and intensified concerns of a broader regional war. Both sides issued warnings to civilians, further escalating tensions. The Strait of Hormuz—a strategic chokepoint for global energy flows—is now at the center of attention. Roughly 18 to 19 million barrels of oil and fuel pass through the strait daily, accounting for about 20% of global consumption.
Iran, a key member of OPEC, produces around 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd) and exports over 2 million bpd. A potential disruption in Iranian exports would significantly impact global supply. Analysts say that OPEC+, including Russia, has spare capacity roughly equal to Iran’s output, but any offset could strain global oil balances.
Despite rising global pressure, diplomatic progress appears limited. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire but said conflict might be inevitable. Meanwhile, Iran informed mediators Qatar and Oman it won't enter ceasefire talks while under Israeli attack. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced optimism that the ongoing G7 summit in Canada might help deescalate the situation.
With geopolitical tensions mounting and oil supply routes under threat, market volatility is expected to continue, keeping energy traders and global policymakers on edge.
