The US and Japan this week reached what President Donald Trump called the largest trade deal in history after Tokyo pledged to set up a $550 billion fund for investment into the US, details of which remain obscure.

Oil prices edged up in Asian trade on Wednesday after falling for three consecutive sessions as a U.S. trade deal with Japan signalled progress on tariffs, though gains were capped by fading hopes for a breakthrough at an EU-China summit.

Oil prices climbed slightly in Asian trading on Thursday, supported by data revealing a sharp decline in U.S. crude stockpiles. Meanwhile, investors stayed watchful as trade negotiations advance ahead of President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariff deadline.

Discussions surrounding Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James potentially appearing on the trade market have quieted down recently, according to The Ringer's Zach Lowe.

LeBron James opted in to his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2025-26 season. However, the Lakers have not worked out an extension with James, which has fueled rumors that the team may trade him this offseason.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has signed a free trade deal with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a multi-billion pound export boost. UK cars and whisky will be cheaper to export to India and Indian textiles and jewellery cheaper to export to the UK under the agreement.

Britain and India signed a free trade agreement on Thursday during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sealing a deal to cut tariffs on goods from textiles to whisky and cars and allow more market access for businesses.

The dollar edged higher against the euro on Thursday following progress in U.S. trade talks with key partners, but was mixed versus the yen, which got a lift from expectations for higher rates while political risks weigh.