Oil Prices Experience Largest Weekly Drop Since October Amid U.S. Policy Uncertainty

by News Editor

March 7, 2025

In a remarkable shift, oil prices are on track to witness their largest weekly decline since October last year. The pivotal factor contributing to this downturn is the ambiguity surrounding the U.S. trade policy, which threatens to dampen oil demand in the world’s largest economy.

Key Figures

Brent crude oil futures saw a slight rise by 0.43% to $69.76 per barrel.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 0.38% to $66.61 per barrel.
Despite these increments, both contracts are expected to end the week with a significant drop—Brent by 4.9% and WTI by 4.8%.

Market Dynamics

The oil market, like many others, finds itself in turmoil due to the fluctuating trade policies of the United States—the world’s biggest oil consumer. Recent statements by President Trump indicate a temporary halting of enhanced tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico until April 2. Yet, tariffs on steel and aluminum will proceed as planned. This partial suspension fails to address Canadian energy products, which still face a 10% levy.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

For an in-depth analysis of similar economic fluctuations, check out our article on Cyprus Exports to the US.

Expert Insight

Vandana Hari, the founder of Vanda Insights, notes, “Financial markets seem engulfed in panic mode, with limited solace found in President Trump’s delays. Even as crude prices hover around a four-month low, further declines remain possible.”

Future Outlook

According to a report by Fitch, the risk to pricing persists following OPEC+’s decision to boost petroleum output in April. This could lead to an oversupply, sending Brent prices to their lowest since December 2021.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

ECB Raises Deposit Facility Rate For First Time In Nearly Two Years

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 15, 2026

Economic Shift: ECB Reverses Years Of Declining Rates

The European Central Bank (ECB) confirmed its first interest rate increase in nearly two years, raising the deposit facility rate in response to inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. Marking a shift in monetary policy, the move follows a period of rate cuts aimed at supporting economic activity and easing financing conditions.

Reevaluation Of Bank Liquidity Strategies

Although the immediate impact will be felt by only part of the borrowing market, the decision carries broader implications for banks. During the period of lower rates, banks maintained significant amounts of excess liquidity with the ECB as returns on these funds declined alongside deposit rates. With the deposit facility rate increasing by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% from 2.00%, returns on surplus liquidity are expected to improve.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Higher interest rates, however, could also increase borrowing costs and influence lending conditions across the banking sector.

Transitioning Investment Approaches And Market Dynamics

Banks had already begun diversifying the use of excess liquidity through investments in bonds and by expanding lending activities.

Successive reductions in the deposit facility rate from 3.00% at the end of 2024 through four consecutive cuts in early 2025 reflected a more accommodative policy stance as inflation pressures moderated.

Sectoral Impact And Future Outlook

Data from the ECB’s 2025 monetary policy report show that liquidity in the Cypriot banking system declined from €19.2 billion at the end of 2024 to €18.6 billion by the close of 2025. Despite the reduction, liquidity levels remained elevated. Outstanding loans increased from €27.6 billion to €31.7 billion, while deposits recorded a slight decline. Customer deposits continued to account for the vast majority of funding. By the fourth quarter of 2025, they represented 95% of total liabilities, highlighting their importance as the banking sector’s primary source of financing.

Changes in ECB rates are expected to influence how banks manage liquidity and allocate capital as monetary conditions evolve.

Breaking news