India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Asian Stocks Surge with Investor Optimism
Asian markets experienced a boost on Tuesday, driven by a strong close on Wall Street and positive sentiment regarding corporate earnings. The Nikkei index surged 1%, reaching a three-week high, while the MSCI Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, increased by 0.2%. Despite this overall upward trend, Chinese markets faced challenges, with the blue-chip index declining 0.4% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slipping 0.3%.
China's Economic Stimulus Signals
Investor interest in China is fueled by speculation regarding additional stimulus measures. Reports suggest that Beijing may raise an extra 6 trillion yuan (approximately $850 billion) in Treasury bonds over the next three years to support its faltering economy. Analysts at BlackRock noted that China's potential policy changes could lead to increased investments, provided future announcements align with expectations.
Dollar and Oil Market Dynamics
The U.S. dollar remained near a two-month high, buoyed by expectations of a smaller rate cut from the Federal Reserve next month. Traders anticipate an 88% chance of a 25 basis point cut, favoring a cautious approach as economic growth persists. In contrast, oil prices fell nearly 3% due to comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating Israel would target Iranian military sites rather than oil infrastructure, alleviating supply concerns. Brent crude prices dipped to approximately $75.22 a barrel, marking a continued decline.
Outlook on U.S. Stocks and Bonds
The S&P 500 and Dow Jones closed at record highs, driven by strong performances from technology stocks, particularly Nvidia, which saw a 2.4% increase. Major banks, including Citi, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs, are set to announce their quarterly results, further influencing market dynamics. As traders remain vigilant, the bond market shows slight yield increases, with two-year Treasury yields rising to approximately 3.95%.
For ongoing updates and insights into market trends, stay tuned.
