Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Asian Currencies Decline as Dollar Strengthens Ahead of Key Data Releases
Asian currencies experienced slight declines on Tuesday as traders adopted a cautious stance, anticipating a series of significant economic reports. A stronger U.S. dollar, boosted by recent gains, pressured regional currencies as concerns over upcoming economic data and political events influenced trading sentiment.
Japanese Yen Stabilizes Amid Political Uncertainty
Following a steep drop to near three-month lows, the Japanese yen managed a modest recovery, gaining 0.2% against the U.S. dollar. This uptick came after Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring currency market volatility. The yen had fallen sharply post-election, as Japan’s ruling LDP coalition lost its majority, introducing heightened political uncertainty. Analysts expect the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to hold interest rates steady in its Thursday meeting, with policymakers cautious given the political backdrop.
Dollar Maintains Strength Amid Key U.S. Economic Data
The U.S. dollar index remained stable, hovering near recent highs, supported by expectations of a gradual approach to interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Traders await U.S. GDP data on Thursday, followed by the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the PCE price index, and nonfarm payrolls on Friday. These indicators could provide further insights into the Fed’s monetary strategy.
Regional Currency Movements
Asian currencies generally softened amid dollar strength. The Australian dollar fell 0.2% ahead of its inflation report, while China’s yuan gained 0.2% as markets awaited PMI data to gauge Beijing’s recent stimulus impact. The South Korean won and Singapore dollar also rose modestly, while the Indian rupee held near recent record lows.
