International News 14 January 2026
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Asian Stocks Rally as Japan Hits Record on AI Optimism
Asian equity markets advanced on Tuesday (Jan 13, 2026), led by a sharp rally in Japan after the Nikkei surged 3.4% to a record high following a holiday reopening. Gains were driven by strong investor optimism toward artificial intelligence stocks, a weaker yen, and speculation over fiscal stimulus. South Korea and Taiwan also touched new highs, while China’s blue-chip stocks climbed to their highest level in four years. Citi said global equities could still rise in 2026, projecting a roughly 10% gain in the MSCI AC World Index despite elevated valuations, supported by a soft-landing outlook, solid earnings revisions, and broadening AI enthusiasm. Elsewhere, MSCI Asia ex-Japan rose 0.8% to a record, while European futures edged higher. US equity futures slipped ahead of December inflation data and the start of earnings season led by major banks. Market uncertainty increased after a US Justice Department probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell raised concerns over central bank independence, pressuring the dollar and lifting gold, which briefly topped US$4,600 per ounce. Oil prices also climbed to seven-week highs amid worries over supply disruptions linked to rising tensions with Iran.
Oil Prices Hold at Seven-Week Highs Amid Iran Supply Risks and Venezuela Uncertainty
Oil prices closed higher and stabilized at their highest levels in seven weeks, driven by concerns that Iran’s oil exports could decline as the sanctioned OPEC member intensifies its crackdown on anti-government protests. Brent crude for March delivery rose 0.8% to US$63.87 per barrel, while WTI for February gained 0.6% to US$59.50, marking their strongest closes since November and December respectively. Market sentiment was also influenced by geopolitical tensions, including potential U.S. responses to unrest in Iran and ongoing supply risks from Russia amid Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure. However, gains were capped by expectations of increased supply from Venezuela following the ouster of former president Nicolas Maduro, with Washington set to receive sanctioned Venezuelan crude. Iran currently holds record volumes of oil stored at sea, while Venezuela prepares to resume exports with major traders mobilizing tankers. Investors are also watching production trends in Azerbaijan, policy signals from Norway’s oil sector, and warnings from Goldman Sachs that new supply could push prices lower later this year—despite persistent geopolitical volatility linked to Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.
Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Countries Doing Business With Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump declared that any country that conducts business with Iran will face a 25% tariff on all trade with the United States, in a move aimed at putting economic pressure on Tehran amid massive anti-government protests and political unrest. Trump announced the measure on his social media platform, saying the tariff would be “effective immediately” and that the order was “final and conclusive”. The announcement did not include official documentation or specify the legal authority for imposing the tariffs, nor clarify exactly which countries would be targeted or how it would be enforced. Major economies that trade with Iran—such as China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and others—could be affected if they continue commercial ties with Tehran. The White House has not provided further details yet, and the U.S. administration says it is still considering a range of responses to the situation in Iran, including diplomatic and other options.