As crude prices spike on Middle East tensions, fears of reignited inflation and subsequent Fed action cast a shadow over risk assets, with Bitcoin failing to capitalize on its perceived 'safe-haven' narrative.
Asian equities faced broad declines Friday, pressured by renewed investor skepticism over the AI investment boom and a sharp pullback in precious metals. The sell-off unfolded against a backdrop of easing oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.
Brent crude surged above $70 a barrel for the first time since mid-2025, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and shifting supply dynamics, as analysts signal a fading bearish outlook for the oil market.
Crude oil benchmarks plunged over 7%, with Brent near $66 and WTI around $62, as President Trump's comments eased fears of a U.S.-Iran conflict and a sell-off in metals markets spilled over. Analysts suggest the drop reflects a rapid unwinding of risk premiums rather than a fundamental change in supply dynamics.
Gold prices resumed their upward trajectory Friday, shaking off a volatile session as threats to global stability and expectations of a dovish Federal Reserve pivot continue to drive the historic surge in bullion.
Despite OPEC+ maintaining production cuts, crude benchmarks fell sharply on Monday, pulling energy stocks like ConocoPhillips down with them as immediate fears of a supply disruption in the Persian Gulf subsided.
Bank of America raises its price target on Chevron (CVX) to $188, maintaining a Buy rating, as geopolitical tensions and a planned ramp-up of Venezuelan crude exports bolster the energy giant's near-term outlook.
The head of the European Stability Mechanism has told Reuters the bloc's 430-billion-euro emergency fund could be repurposed to provide defense loans to member states, signaling a strategic shift as Europe seeks to bolster its military autonomy.
Oil prices pulled back from multi-month highs on Friday amid broad market risk aversion, yet President Trump's intensified focus on Iran continues to inject a significant risk premium into the market, setting Brent crude for its strongest monthly gain in years.
Crude oil futures fell sharply on Monday, erasing recent gains tied to Middle East tensions, as the prospect of renewed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran eased fears of a major supply disruption.
A new survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong reveals a significant uptick in business optimism for 2026, with over half of senior executives expressing a positive outlook despite persistent U.S.-China tensions and global uncertainty.
Crude oil and gasoline prices advanced on Friday, supported by persistent geopolitical risks in the Middle East and ongoing supply constraints, though gains were tempered by a stronger dollar and diplomatic signals.
The U.S. dollar extended its weekly decline as fresh geopolitical risks, including new tariff threats over Cuba and potential military action against Iran, dampened appetite for American assets, despite domestic political relief.
Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, a decision linked by officials to recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and broader geopolitical disputes involving Bangladesh's tournament exclusion.
A perfect storm of geopolitical tension, a surging dollar, and cascading liquidations triggered a brutal selloff across crypto and traditional 'safe havens' over the weekend, raising fresh questions about market maturity and resilience.
The highest-ranking US and Israeli military officials held a closed-door meeting at the Pentagon last Friday, as regional tensions with Iran continue to escalate, according to US officials speaking on condition of anonymity.
Oil prices plunged and precious metals extended their historic sell-off as easing US-Iran tensions and President Trump's hawkish nominee for Federal Reserve Chair triggered a dramatic dollar rally, sending shockwaves through global markets.
While regional tensions and market volatility capture headlines, a closer look reveals resilient companies with strong fundamentals. Driven by robust earnings and strategic positioning, select stocks in sectors from renewable energy to infrastructure present compelling cases for value-oriented investors navigating the complex landscape of early 2026.
As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.
As regional tensions weigh on major Gulf indices, a closer look reveals resilient investment opportunities among smaller, financially sound companies. From energy giants to niche manufacturers, these picks highlight value where many fear to tread.
