Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. stock index futures remained steady Tuesday evening following a positive session on Wall Street, as markets await President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated tariff announcement on April 2. S&P 500 Futures hovered at 5,672.0, Nasdaq 100 Futures stayed unchanged at 19,599.50, and Dow Jones Futures held firm at 42,236.0.
Investors are closely watching the White House’s planned rollout of reciprocal tariffs, which will take effect immediately, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Dubbed “Liberation Day,” the move also includes a 25% tariff on auto imports starting April 3. Market participants remain cautious amid uncertainty surrounding potential retaliation and the overall scope of the measures.
Despite these concerns, U.S. stocks closed higher on Tuesday, driven by gains in major tech stocks. The S&P 500 rose 0.4%, the NASDAQ added 0.9%, and the Dow Jones remained flat. Tesla (TSLA) jumped 3.6% ahead of its Q1 delivery report. NVIDIA (NVDA) rose 1.6%, Microsoft (MSFT) climbed 1.8%, Alphabet (GOOGL) added 1.5%, and Micron Technology (MU) advanced 2.1%.
Economic data reflected signs of a cooling economy. February’s JOLTS report showed job openings dropped to 7.57 million from January’s 7.76 million, suggesting softer labor demand. Meanwhile, the ISM Manufacturing PMI fell to 49.0 in March from 50.3 in February—marking the first contraction this year. Readings below 50 signal shrinking manufacturing activity.
Analysts at ING noted growing concern over how tariffs might disrupt global supply chains, despite intentions to support U.S. manufacturing. With uncertainty looming over trade policy and weakening economic indicators, markets appear to be adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach.
