Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
Oil Prices Fall as Iran Peace Talks Progress, Hormuz Reopens, and U.S. SPR Hits 1983 Low 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Gold Price Rises as Investors Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks and Fed Policy Outlook 
China’s AI Manufacturing Boom Masks Weak Consumer Economy, Citi Says 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Supply Concerns 
Japan Keeps Markets Guessing as Yen Nears 40-Year Low, Raising Intervention Risks 
Japan Manufacturing Growth Accelerates in June as Orders Surge Despite Iran War Cost Pressures 
New Zealand Fast-Tracks Gold Mining as Industry Revival Gains Momentum 
US Stock Futures Recover as Iran Signals Progress in Peace Talks 
France Faces Long Road to Economic Rebalancing as Weak Demand and High Rates Weigh, Says Citi 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Oil Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Truce Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Italy’s Economy Outpaces Eurozone Peers as Investment Spending Fuels Growth 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oil Rebounds Amid Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Asian currencies slipped on Thursday as the U.S. dollar strengthened, fueled by market uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff plans and anticipation of key U.S. inflation data. The U.S. Dollar Index climbed 0.2% in Asian trading, extending gains from its two-month low earlier this week, while dollar index futures rose 0.3%.
Currency markets reacted negatively to Trump’s reaffirmation of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. While the initial deadline was March 4, he hinted at a possible delay until April 2, adding to investor uncertainty. This lack of clarity triggered risk aversion, leading to capital outflows from emerging markets and weakening Asian currencies.
The South Korean won (USD/KRW) and Indonesian rupiah (USD/IDR) both fell 0.6%, leading regional losses. The Indian rupee (USD/INR) slipped 0.3%, while the Australian dollar (AUD/USD) dropped 0.2%. The offshore Chinese yuan (USD/CNH) climbed 0.3%, while the onshore yuan (USD/CNY) edged up 0.1%. The Japanese yen (USD/JPY) and Singapore dollar (USD/SGD) rose 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
Investors are also closely watching Friday’s U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Recent weaker-than-expected U.S. services PMI and consumer sentiment reports have fueled speculation of potential rate cuts, though immediate policy shifts remain unlikely.
Meanwhile, China’s upcoming “Two Sessions” in early March will be a key event for global markets. Policymakers are expected to maintain last year’s growth target while focusing on boosting domestic demand. Analysts anticipate policy signals that could impact regional markets, as China navigates geopolitical and economic challenges.
