Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Markets Wobble as Chinese Stocks Weaken
Asian stocks fluctuated on Monday, weighed down by Chinese market weakness, even as Bitcoin surged to a three-month high. Investor sentiment was dampened by cautious optimism around China’s economic stimulus, with many awaiting further fiscal support.
China's central bank cut benchmark lending rates, but the move was anticipated by the market. Hong Kong equities slipped 0.6%, and China’s blue-chip index seesawed before ending 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei posted a modest 0.34% gain.
Bitcoin Soars to Three-Month Peak
Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $69,100, its highest level since July, as the world’s leading cryptocurrency saw a 9.6% increase last week. Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted, “Bitcoin is positioned well for continued growth.” Traders are factoring in a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. election, which could boost cryptocurrencies further due to his favorable stance.
Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Uncertainty
Gold prices hit a record $2,727.39 an ounce, extending last week's 2% rise. The precious metal is benefiting from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the close U.S. presidential race. “Gold remains a key Trump trade due to his aggressive economic policies,” said Arun Sai, senior multi-asset strategist at Pictet Asset Management.
Oil Prices Stabilize After Recent Drop
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude futures rising 0.4% to $73.36 a barrel, while U.S. crude gained 0.43% to $69.52 per barrel, recovering slightly from last week’s steep losses.
