Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Asian currencies saw slight gains on Thursday after recent losses, but market sentiment remained cautious due to rising global trade tensions and fears of a U.S. recession. Meanwhile, the dollar steadied following a mild rebound, despite softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data for February. While some CPI components suggested inflation was cooling, others indicated it remained sticky, keeping traders on edge.
A surge in U.S. Treasury yields supported the dollar, as concerns grew over a potential recession and heightened trade tariffs under President Donald Trump. The greenback also held firm ahead of producer price index (PPI) data, which could provide further insight into inflation trends.
The Japanese yen remained stable after reaching a five-month high against the dollar, buoyed by safe-haven demand and expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike, possibly as soon as May. The BOJ is expected to maintain rates at its upcoming meeting.
Other Asian currencies moved within tight ranges. The Chinese yuan edged up 0.1% amid anticipation of Beijing’s stimulus measures to counter Trump’s tariffs. The Australian dollar, South Korean won, and Singapore dollar remained mostly unchanged. The Indian rupee rose 0.1% after inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% threshold, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts.
Despite a softer CPI reading, inflationary pressures from Trump’s tariffs persist, with new 25% duties on steel and aluminum taking effect this week. Markets now await the PPI report for further inflation signals, with the Federal Reserve set to meet next week. A softer inflation outlook could pave the way for additional rate cuts.
