Asian Stocks Slide as Chip Selloff Deepens Ahead of TSMC Earnings 
China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
US Stock Futures Fall as Netflix Outlook, Chip Selloff and Iran Tensions Weigh on Markets 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Port of Los Angeles Posts Record June Cargo Volume as Importers Rush Ahead of U.S. Tariffs 
Gold Price Holds Near Record High as Cooling U.S. Inflation Offsets Fed Caution 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Middle East Tensions Offset Weaker US Dollar 
South Korea Raises Interest Rates to 2.75% as Inflation and Weak Won Drive Tightening 
IEA Warns China Rare Earth Export Curbs Could Threaten $6.5 Trillion in Global Production 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
Gold Prices Slip as Oil Rally Fuels Inflation Fears, Strengthens Dollar 
Oil Prices Climb as Trump Escalates Iran Pressure, Strait of Hormuz Risks Grow 
South Korea’s KOSPI Enters Bear Market Despite Remaining 2026’s Best-Performing Major Stock Index 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Soft Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Fears 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Asian Stocks Rally as Cooling U.S. Inflation Boosts Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
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.
