Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Asian Stock Markets Trade in Narrow Range as Japan GDP Misses Forecasts, Hang Seng Gains 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Oil Prices Steady but Head for Weekly Loss as Supply Glut Concerns Weigh 
Asian Markets Consolidate Gains as Japan GDP Disappoints and Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan Coalition Urges BOJ Independence as Sales Tax Cut Plan Advances 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key CPI Inflation Data 
European stock markets traded mixed on Monday as renewed uncertainty over U.S. trade tariffs dampened investor sentiment, while Novo Nordisk shares plunged following disappointing obesity drug trial results. Germany’s DAX fell 0.5% to lead regional losses, the UK’s FTSE 100 edged down 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 managed a modest 0.1% gain in early trading.
Global equities initially rallied after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated most of former President Donald Trump’s previously imposed tariffs, ruling that the emergency law used did not authorize such measures. However, Trump quickly introduced a new global tariff plan over the weekend, announcing levies of 10% to 15% that could remain in place for up to five months. The sudden policy shift reignited concerns about trade stability and weighed on overall risk appetite. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde emphasized the importance of predictable trade rules, noting that uncertainty can disrupt global investment and economic equilibrium.
Recent economic data had supported optimism across Europe. The STOXX 600 index reached record highs last week as Eurozone business activity accelerated faster than expected. Manufacturing returned to growth territory for the first time since October, and Germany’s Ifo business climate index climbed to 88.6 in February, signaling early signs of economic recovery in Europe’s largest economy.
In corporate news, Novo Nordisk stock dropped more than 10% after its experimental obesity treatment CagriSema failed to meet a primary endpoint in a head-to-head trial against Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide. The setback intensifies competition in the rapidly expanding weight-loss drug market, where Novo’s Wegovy and Ozempic previously dominated.
Meanwhile, oil prices retreated ahead of a third round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Brent crude slipped to $70.96 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell to $66.15, as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough eased supply disruption concerns.
