MONEY MASTER

Global markets slipped back into  risk-off mode  as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran unsettled investors, overshadowing positive economic data and reinforcing geopolitical-driven volatility. Asian Stocks Slide Amid Renewed Tensions The  MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan Index  fell  0.8% , reflecting broad regional weakness: Nikkei 225   -1.3% Kospi   -2.0% The decline follows a  sell-off on Wall Street , where the  S&P 500  dropped  0.7% . Oil and Geopolitics Drive Market Sentiment Markets were shaken after  fresh exchanges of fire between the US and Iran , raising concerns over: Energy supply disruptions Prolonged instability in the  Middle East While Brent crude initially surged, it later eased to around  US$97 per barrel , reflecting  conflicting signals on ceasefire progress . Economic Data Takes a Back Seat Stronger US data failed to lift sentiment: ISM services PMI improved , indicating resilient d...

Oil prices rebounded sharply after suffering their  largest one-day decline since 2020 , as ongoing disruptions in the  Strait of Hormuz  and fragile ceasefire conditions kept supply concerns elevated. Oil Prices Bounce Back Amid Supply Uncertainty Brent crude climbed above US$97 per barrel , while  WTI rose near US$98 , recovering part of Wednesday’s steep  13% selloff . The rebound reflects continued uncertainty over whether  global energy flows can normalise , as conflicting reports emerge on the status of tanker movements through the Strait. While Iran signaled that  shipping had halted , US officials indicated  early signs of reopening , leaving markets caught between optimism and risk. Hormuz Disruption Remains Critical Risk The  Strait of Hormuz , which accounts for roughly  20% of global oil and LNG flows , remains the key pressure point. Even if transit resumes, supply recovery is expected to be gradual due to: Reduced output at...

Japan is temporarily reversing part of its clean energy strategy, allowing  greater use of coal-fired power plants  to safeguard energy supply amid disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Policy Shift to Boost Energy Security The government will permit  less-efficient coal plants to participate in capacity market auctions , expanding available electricity supply. Previously, these plants were excluded as part of efforts to  reduce carbon emissions , but rising energy risks have forced policymakers to prioritise  energy security over climate goals . Energy Shock Drives Strategic Reversal The shift comes as the  closure of the Strait of Hormuz  and disruptions at major LNG facilities strain global energy supply. Japan remains highly exposed: Over 90% of oil imports come from the Middle East LNG supply risks are rising due to regional instability Increasing coal usage is expected to  offset around 500,000 tonnes of LNG demand , helping stabil...

Global  equities  staged  a  modest  rebound   on  Friday  after  several  sessions  of  heavy  selling,  as  oil  prices  slipped  below  the $100  per  barrel  threshold .  However,  investors  remain  cautious  as  the  escalating  conflict  involving  Iran  continues  to  threaten  energy  supply  chains ,  raising  concerns  about  inflation  and  interest  rate  trajectories. While  lower  oil  prices  provided  temporary  relief  to  equity  markets,  the  broader  outlook  remains  clouded  by  geopolitical  uncertainty  and  shifting  expectations  around  central  bank  policy. Oil  Prices  Ease  but  Energy ...