South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Most Asian currencies strengthened on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on the Federal Reserve and signaled openness to easing trade tariffs on China. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen weakened following disappointing factory activity data.
The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.3%, rebounding from a three-year low hit earlier this week. This came after Trump stated he had “no intention” of removing Fed Chair Jerome Powell, dialing back earlier criticism that had fueled concerns over the central bank’s independence. Markets also found relief in Trump’s comments on U.S.-China trade relations, as he hinted at a potential tariff reduction—though not a complete rollback.
Currency markets responded positively to the news. The Chinese yuan firmed, with the onshore USD/CNY down 0.2% and the offshore USD/CNH down 0.3%. The Australian dollar gained 0.4% against the greenback. South Korea’s won also advanced, with the USD/KRW falling 0.3%. The Singapore dollar and Indian rupee were mostly unchanged.
However, the Japanese yen weakened, with USD/JPY climbing 0.3%. This followed data showing Japan’s manufacturing sector contracted for a tenth straight month in April. The au Jibun Bank manufacturing PMI slipped to 48.5, below expectations. Concerns over ongoing U.S. tariff pressures contributed to the slowdown in new orders.
In contrast, Japan’s services sector showed signs of recovery, with the services PMI rising to 52.2 from 50.0 in March. The overall composite PMI moved into expansion territory at 51.1, up from 48.9 the prior month.
Markets remain sensitive to further developments on U.S. monetary policy and trade negotiations, which continue to influence currency volatility across Asia.
