Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Asian markets rose on Thursday, tracking gains in U.S. futures after a U.S. court blocked President Donald Trump’s proposed “liberation day” trade tariffs. Technology shares led the rally, buoyed by strong earnings from NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), while South Korean stocks outperformed on a surprise interest rate cut.
The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump exceeded his authority by invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose steep reciprocal tariffs. The decision raised hopes of a pause in aggressive trade duties, though the White House signaled plans to appeal, injecting short-term uncertainty into global markets.
South Korea’s KOSPI surged over 1.7%, driven by gains in chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, key suppliers to Nvidia. The Bank of Korea’s 25 basis point rate cut and dovish outlook further fueled investor optimism, making Korean equities the top regional performers.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 indices rose 0.8% each, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng added 0.5%, although concerns over deflation and weak growth capped further upside. China remains under heavy U.S. tariffs, some reaching 245%, though recent signs of easing were noted.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.8%, while the TOPIX index rose 1.5%, supported by strength in technology stocks. Taiwan’s TSMC added 0.6%, and Hon Hai Precision jumped 3.6% on positive 2025 forecasts.
Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.3%, while Singapore’s Straits Times dipped 0.2%. India’s Gift Nifty 50 futures pointed to a 0.4% rise, signaling a strong open.
Overall, the combination of easing trade tensions, dovish monetary policy, and tech optimism drove regional equities higher, with markets closely watching the tariff appeal process and AI sector momentum.
