Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Stocks React to Cooling Rally and Stimulus Talks
Asian stock markets showed little movement on Thursday, following a rally sparked by Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. election victory, as attention shifted to stimulus measures in China and the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting.
Chinese Markets and NPC Focus
Chinese stocks saw modest gains, with the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes both up 0.4%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose nearly 1%. Investors remained focused on the National People’s Congress (NPC) meeting, which began earlier this week, expecting an announcement on additional fiscal stimulus to support the economy. Chinese markets had initially been wary of Trump’s proposed 60% trade tariff on imports from China, but Beijing’s response, including a congratulatory message to Trump and a phone call with President Xi Jinping, helped stabilize sentiment.
Japan and Regional Market Movements
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 0.3%, reversing some of the 2.6% gain from the previous session, while the TOPIX index gained 0.8%. The yen weakened against the dollar, contributing to gains in export-focused stocks like Toyota, despite a disappointing earnings report. Broader regional markets moved in a narrow range, as initial optimism from Trump’s election win faded.
Australian and South Korean Markets
Australia’s ASX 200 dropped 0.2%, reflecting a weak trade balance due to low demand from China. South Korea’s KOSPI also fell 0.2%, and Indian markets are expected to open flat after a sharp rebound earlier this week.
