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 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Asian Currencies Steady Amid Market Fluctuations
Most Asian currencies steadied on Thursday, following recent declines, as the Japanese yen lingered near three-month lows. The U.S. dollar remains supported by expectations of a slower pace of interest rate cuts, reflecting ongoing market uncertainty.
Increased risk aversion impacted regional currencies, with traders cautious ahead of a tight U.S. presidential race and rising tensions in the Middle East. The dollar and gold benefited from this risk aversion, while the yen struggled to attract safe-haven demand amid doubts about the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) capacity to raise interest rates further.
Japanese Yen Stabilizes with Intervention Concerns
The Japanese yen's USDJPY pair saw slight declines on Thursday after reaching a near three-month high in the previous session. Support for the yen emerged as Japanese officials warned against “one-sided” moves in the currency market, heightening fears of potential intervention. However, weak purchasing managers index (PMI) data indicated a contraction in business activity for October, keeping the yen fragile.
Anticipation of general elections in Japan this Sunday raises further doubts about future BOJ rate hikes. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party may need to form a coalition to maintain power, complicating the BOJ's monetary policy decisions.
Dollar Remains Strong Amid Rising Yields
The dollar index slightly dipped but remained close to three-month highs, bolstered by rising Treasury yields. Market expectations suggest the Federal Reserve may only cut rates by 25 basis points in November, supported by signs of resilience in the U.S. economy.
As broader Asian currencies made modest gains, the Australian dollar (AUDUSD) rose by 0.2%, while the South Korean won (USDKRW) remained stable after disappointing GDP data. The Chinese yuan (USDCNY) declined by 0.2%, while the Singapore dollar (USDSGD) and Indian rupee (USDINR) experienced slight drops.
