Market Highlight 05.01.2026

Global oil prices declined while precious metals such as gold and silver rallied following recent U.S actions involving Venezuela, creating a new flashpoint that could heighten global geopolitical tensions and disrupt crude oil flows from the region. Brent crude fell by 1,2% this morning to USD 60 per barrel after U.S President Donald Trump stated that Washington could exert control over supplies from this OPEC member. Although Venezuela is not among the world’s top 20 crude oil producers, any sustained U.S offensive could trigger a short-term rebound in oil prices and prompt a reallocation of capital toward safe-haven assets such as gold. The USD may also strengthen in the near term amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. This week, markets will focus on key U.S economic releases. In addition to December employment figures, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to publish data on job openings, quits, and layoffs for November on Wednesday, alongside PMI readings for both manufacturing and services activity.

With total import - export turnover reaching USD 920 billion in 2025, Vietnam has officially entered the world’s Top 15 economies by international trade scale, marking a significant milestone following decades of global economic integration and nearly 40 years of economic reform. International trade has been, and continues to be, a critical driver of Vietnam’s economic growth. The country has now established trading relationships with more than 230 markets worldwide and ranks among the leading nations in terms of participation in free trade agreements, having signed 17 FTAs with 65 countries and territories, including several next-generation agreements.

The USD/VND interbank exchange rate edged up by around VND 20 and closed the final trading session of 2025 at 26.300. The exchange rate recorded an annual increase of approximately 3,2%, marking the fourth consecutive year of appreciation. The rate is projected to rise slightly in the first trading session of 2026, while remaining broadly anchored within the 26.300 - 26.350 range.

Please contact the nearest Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank's branch to receive information and consultancy if you are in need of making any foreign exchange and derivatives transactions.

Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank assumes no responsibility or liability for any purpose of reference or using the information provided by this newsletter.

Directly contact us to receive market news and consultancy on foreign exchange products and derivatives:

- Financial Markets Division – Email: ktttc@acb.com.vn ; or

- Mr. Khanh Hoang (Financial Markets Senior Analyst) – Email: hoangnk@acb.com.vn