Citi said in a note on Wednesday that it expects oil prices to climb sharply as conflict-driven supply disruptions intensify, with analysts projecting Brent will rise to between $110 and $120 a barrel in the coming days.
Oil prices rose as much as 3% on Thursday after Iran attacked several energy facilities across the Middle East following a strike on its South Pars gas field, a major escalation in Tehran’s war with the U.S. and Israel.
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released vehicle sales data for the month of February 2026, which saw a total of 52,414 vehicles delivered to customers.
Gulf banks could face domestic deposit outflows of $307 billion if the Middle East conflict deepens, S&P Global Ratings said.
Japanese manufacturers' confidence improved to its highest level in over four years in March, buoyed by the chemicals and petroleum sectors and a recovery in the semiconductor market, the Reuters Tankan poll showed.
Most Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday, with tech gains boosting South Korean and Japanese shares, while investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve policy decision due later in the day.