Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Asian Markets Surge Amid Eased Tensions
Most Asian stocks rose on Monday as concerns over the Israel-Iran conflict eased following a less-severe-than-expected attack by Israel. The Japanese market led gains amid heightened political uncertainty, reducing expectations for interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BoJ).
Japan's Political Landscape Influences Market
Japanese shares performed strongly, with the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes increasing by 1.5% and 1.2%, respectively. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its parliamentary majority in Sunday’s elections, raising questions about the country's political future. This development has prompted investors to anticipate a more cautious approach from the BoJ regarding interest rates, contributing to a decline in the yen and benefiting export-driven companies.
The central bank is expected to maintain current rates in its upcoming meeting, further supporting market stability.
Broader Asian Market Movements
Other Asian markets followed suit, buoyed by optimism surrounding upcoming technology earnings and economic reports. Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.1% in anticipation of key inflation data, while South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.6%, driven by interest in artificial intelligence stocks.
Chinese markets lagged slightly, with the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes remaining flat. Traders are awaiting purchasing managers' index data after several recent stimulus measures announced by Beijing.
Futures for India's Nifty 50 index indicated a positive open, suggesting potential bargain buying after recent losses.
