U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key CPI Inflation Data 
Asian Stock Markets Trade in Narrow Range as Japan GDP Misses Forecasts, Hang Seng Gains 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Oil Prices Steady but Head for Weekly Loss as Supply Glut Concerns Weigh 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
Fed Governor Stephen Miran Warns Tight Monetary Policy Threatens U.S. Economic Growth 
Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian currencies moved within a narrow range on Monday as thin holiday trading and steady U.S. dollar performance limited major price swings. Market closures in China, Taiwan, and South Korea reduced regional liquidity, while U.S. markets were also shut, keeping the dollar index largely unchanged after mixed U.S. inflation data.
The Japanese yen weakened after disappointing fourth-quarter GDP figures highlighted slower-than-expected economic growth. The USD/JPY pair rose 0.2% following data showing that Japan’s economy expanded well below forecasts. Soft business investment weighed heavily on growth, while exports and private consumption also remained subdued. The weak GDP reading suggests that fiscal stimulus introduced in late 2025 has yet to deliver meaningful momentum. With Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition holding a supermajority in the lower house, markets anticipate the possibility of additional fiscal spending. However, concerns over Japan’s rising fiscal burden and reduced expectations for further Bank of Japan interest rate hikes continue to pressure the yen.
The U.S. dollar held steady after January’s consumer price index report delivered mixed signals. Headline inflation came in slightly below expectations, while core CPI matched forecasts. The dollar index retained much of last week’s losses as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook and an upcoming leadership transition. A sharp decline in U.S. equities also dampened demand for the greenback.
Analysts note that further dollar weakness may be limited if upcoming U.S. economic data, including industrial production, trade figures, and the PCE price index, show resilience. The Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes are also in focus.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar hovered near three-year highs after hawkish signals from the Reserve Bank of Australia. The Indian rupee edged toward 90.7 per dollar, while the Singapore dollar softened after weaker non-oil exports data. Offshore yuan trading saw modest gains amid Lunar New Year demand expectations, with mainland Chinese markets closed for the week.
