Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Asian markets traded mixed as investors digested falling oil prices, rising commodity stocks, and heightened geopolitical tensions tied to Venezuela, China, and broader global uncertainty. Crude oil futures extended losses after U.S. President Donald Trump said Venezuela would hand over as much as 50 million barrels of oil to be sold at market prices following the capture of the country’s leader. The news weighed heavily on energy markets, pushing U.S. crude down 1.1% to $56.48 per barrel and Brent crude 0.8% lower at $60.22 per barrel.
Despite weaker oil prices, resource and commodity-related shares found support across the region, helped by a sharp overnight rally in industrial metals. Copper surged to a record high in the previous session, while nickel jumped more than 10% on supply concerns, boosting mining stocks, particularly in Australia. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3%, benefiting from its heavy exposure to commodity producers.
Broader equity markets were more cautious. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan slipped 0.2%, while Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.25%. Japanese stocks were pressured after China announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, escalating tensions following comments by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan.
Currency markets reflected a cautious tone. The U.S. dollar held near recent highs, with the dollar index steady at 98.60, supported by global geopolitical risks and anticipation of key U.S. economic data. The euro traded at $1.169, while the yen weakened slightly to 156.73 per dollar. Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. data, including the monthly jobs report, JOLTS survey, and ADP payrolls, for clues on the timing of potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with markets currently pricing in two cuts this year.
Elsewhere, spot gold slipped 0.6% to $4,469.04 an ounce, while cryptocurrencies also declined, with bitcoin down 0.8% and ether easing 0.5%. European equity futures pointed to a mixed open, and U.S. stock futures were flat after Wall Street closed at record highs, brushing aside global tensions for now.
