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 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dollar Maintains Weekly Gains
Asian currencies weakened on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar. The dollar's rise is driven by expectations of slower interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, setting the stage for a fourth consecutive week of gains.
Japanese Yen Steadies Amid Election and Intervention Concerns
The Japanese yen hovered near a three-month low at ¥152 against the dollar. Traders remain cautious ahead of Japan's general election this weekend. Polls suggest the ruling Liberal Democratic Party may struggle to secure a majority, which could limit Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ability to enact further economic reforms.
Japan’s government has also issued warnings about possible currency intervention due to the yen’s recent weakness, which has contributed to market volatility.
Dollar's Strength Pressures Asian Currencies
The dollar index remained strong, gaining about 0.6% this week. In addition to Federal Reserve policy, the dollar is supported by speculation that Donald Trump may win the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which could lead to inflationary policies and higher long-term interest rates.
This scenario has weighed on most Asian currencies, with the Chinese yuan rising by 0.1% and the South Korean won surging by 0.7%. The Australian dollar fell by 0.3%, while the Indian rupee remained near record lows.
