US jobless claims rise above estimates
US jobless claims increased slightly last week, while oil markets remained cautious amid a mixed economic backdrop.

Initial jobless claims increased to 223,000, exceeding forecasts.
Trump downplayed security risks associated with TikTok.
Oil markets remain cautious amid potential trade actions and geopolitical uncertainty.
Initial jobless claims in the US unexpectedly climbed last week, signaling a slight softening in the labor market. The number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits rose to 223,000, exceeding economist forecasts of 220,000, the Labor Department reported. This marks the second consecutive weekly increase.
Meanwhile, continuing claims, which reflect the number of individuals receiving unemployment benefits, increased to 1.899 million, the highest level since November 2021.
Gold surges, Dollar weakened
The precious metal rallied this week, surpassing the $2,750 per ounce level, buoyed by a weaker US dollar. Market sentiment was generally subdued as the recent delay in tariff implementations eased trade tensions. However, resistance around the $2,763 level remains a key hurdle for the precious metal.
Crude stockpiles rise
US crude oil inventories unexpectedly rose by 1 million barrels last week, according to industry data from the American Petroleum Institute. This marks the first increase in crude inventories in nine weeks, if confirmed by official government data later today.
TikTok debate continues
Amid the ongoing debate over TikTok's operations in the US, the president Trump downplayed the social media app's security risk in a recent interview. He suggested that all Chinese-made electronics could potentially pose a spying threat, while emphasizing that TikTok may not be the most serious concern.
Oil markets cautious
WTI crude oil futures traded near $75.50 per barrel after the API reported a surprise increase in US crude stockpiles. The market is closely monitoring potential actions by the former administration, including the threat of tariffs on several trading partners and further sanctions against Russia.