Brent oil prices fall below $98 a barrel after US President Donald Trump called talks with Iran "very good," according to Commerzbank Research in a note. Treasury futures are supported in early Wednesday trading.
President Trump said talks with Iran were "very good," despite earlier threats to "annihilate" the country. Trump added the United States will pursue a deal with Iran after the midterm elections in November.
Saudi Arabia signals it could reopen the East-West oil pipeline, with operations potentially resuming by the end of the week, wrote Commerzbank. Meanwhile, the US proposes a $10 billion investment fund to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, including a $5 billion US contribution.
Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin warns that the inflationary shock could take time to ease, while noting that it remains uncertain whether further rate hikes will be necessary, says the bank. New York Fed official Roberto Perli says future T-bill purchases will depend on "evolving conditions."
US equity futures trade higher, added Commerzbank.
European Central Bank policymaker Joachim Nagel said the ECB must remain "vigilant" and may need to maintain mildly restrictive interest rates.