South Korea's Business Survey Index (BSI) for the manufacturing sector rose to 68 in March 2025, up from 65 the previous month, marking the highest level since November. The Composite Business Sentiment Index (CBSI) for all industries increased by 1.4 points to 86.7, but the outlook for the following month dropped by 2.4 points to 85.6. In the manufacturing sector, production improved to 82 from 80 in February. Additionally, new orders rose to 76 from 74, inventory conditions improved to 104 from 103, and the financial situation index increased to 89 from 78.

S Korea’s Manufacturing Sentiment at 4-Month High

US crude oil inventories fell by 4.6 million barrels for the week ending March 21, 2025, following a 4.6 million-barrel increase the previous week, according to the American Petroleum Institute. The decline came after two consecutive weeks of inventory builds, surpassing market expectations of a 2.5 million-barrel decrease.

US Crude Oil Inventories Fall More than Expected

The S&P 500 closed 0.1% higher on Tuesday, while the Nasdaq gained 0.5% and the Dow Jones finished muted as investors assessed the impact of impending tariffs and economic uncertainty. Monday’s rally, sparked by optimism over more targeted tariff measures, lost steam after President Trump suggested certain countries could be exempt from reciprocal duties set to take effect on April 2, while also hinting at potential new tariffs on pharmaceuticals and autos. Tesla rose 3.4% following its 12% surge on Monday, while Nvidia declined 0.6%. KB Home tumbled 5.1% after lowering its sales forecast, and UniFirst plunged 14.1% as Cintas withdrew from acquisition talks. Adding to market concerns, consumer confidence fell to a four-year low, with future expectations sinking to their weakest level in 12 years. Meanwhile, traders increased wagers on Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025, though market strategists remained split on the broader equity outlook.

US Stocks Slightly Higher Amid Tariffs Uncertainties

US natural gas futures dropped nearly 2% to around $3.80/MMBtu, hitting over three-week low due to record output and forecasts for milder weather. Despite the expected restart of Freeport LNG’s Texas export plant, prices fell as lower demand is anticipated in the coming weeks. April gas futures slid 1.9% to $3.840 per mmBtu, marking the lowest close since February 28. While gas stockpiles are projected to rise in March for only the second time in history, they remain about 8% below normal levels due to heavy withdrawals during the winter. LSEG reported that U.S. gas output rose to 106.0 bcfd in March, exceeding February’s record of 105.1 bcfd, while demand is expected to decline next week. Meanwhile, the U.S. maintained its position as the top global LNG supplier in 2023, outpacing Australia and Qatar amid rising export demand.

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S Korea’s Manufacturing Sentiment at 4-Month High

US Crude Oil Inventories Fall More than Expected

US Stocks Slightly Higher Amid Tariffs Uncertainties

Natgas Prices Fall on High Output, Milder Weather