Oil Slides on Reports Ukraine OK With U.S. Peace Plan

Gold prices edged higher in early Asian trade, buoyed by expectations of potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. However, these gains were partially offset by progress in ongoing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as noted by ANZ.

Gold prices remained steady as traders assessed the potential for a U.S. interest rate cut against the backdrop of ongoing peace discussions in Ukraine. The market is closely monitoring economic indicators that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.

Oil prices have steadied near a month-low following indications of progress towards a peace deal in Ukraine, which could lead to the lifting of restrictions on Russian crude supplies amid a looming global oversupply. This stabilization comes after a period of volatility influenced by geopolitical developments.

Oil prices have fallen as Ukraine indicates support for a framework aimed at a peace deal with Russia. This development has contributed to a decline in oil prices, reflecting market reactions to the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict.

U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff recently advised a senior Kremlin official on a phone call about collaborating on a plan for Ukraine, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic strategies concerning the conflict. This outreach suggests an effort to align perspectives between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine's future.

On November 25, 2025, Bloomberg Businessweek Daily featured a discussion on the potential nomination of Kevin Hassett as the next Federal Reserve Chairman, alongside insights into US cybersecurity challenges linked to AI and the philanthropic priorities of affluent women. The episode highlighted the growing influence of AI technologies, particularly in the context of companies like Google and Nvidia.

The 10-year Treasury yield has fallen below 4% as U.S. consumer confidence has declined sharply, reflecting growing concerns about the economic outlook. This drop in consumer sentiment is indicative of a potential slowdown in spending and economic activity.

U.S. natural gas futures experienced a decline as the December contract neared expiration, influenced by mixed weather outlooks for early December. The market showed volatility, reflecting ongoing fluctuations in energy prices amid changing forecasts.