Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Pacific Islands Growth Slows to 3.6% in 2024
The Pacific Islands' economic growth is expected to slow to 3.6% in 2024, down from 5.8% in 2023, as the post-pandemic recovery fades. A recent World Bank report highlights a significant slowdown in Fiji, which contributes half of the region's output.
Key Economic Challenges
The report cites weakening investment, increasing climate risks, and structural challenges as major hurdles. Over the past 15 years, investment has decreased in seven out of 11 Pacific Island countries. Without immediate action, the region risks falling further behind in poverty reduction and economic development.
Natural disasters continue to take a toll, with annual damages averaging 1.5% of the region’s GDP. Many Pacific nations are caught in a cycle of rebuilding after disasters like cyclones, hindering long-term growth.
Fiji and Vanuatu Struggle
Fiji's growth is projected to slow to 3% in 2024, with public debt rising to 79% of GDP, a third higher than pre-pandemic levels. Vanuatu's economy is also under pressure, with the liquidation of Air Vanuatu causing growth to drop to 0.9%.
Investment Opportunities
The World Bank report calls for increased investment in key areas such as sustainable tourism, agriculture, and digital connectivity. Despite large maritime zones, Pacific Islands have yet to capitalize fully on sustainable fishing and marine biotechnology. Addressing high internet costs and poor speeds is critical for future development.
Senior World Bank economist Dana Vorisek emphasized the need for reforms in digital payments and remittance systems, which could significantly boost the region’s economy.
