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U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
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Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian stocks climbed on Thursday, fueled by an AI-driven surge in China and major dealmaking in Japan’s technology sector. This offset concerns over rising U.S. inflation and higher interest rates.
Technology stocks led the rally as optimism around AI’s long-term impact persisted. China's Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite rose, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng jumped 1.1% to a four-month high. Since mid-January, Chinese markets have surged 5%-15%, primarily driven by enthusiasm over AI advancements, particularly following the release of DeepSeek R1.
Despite this, broader Chinese market sentiment remained cautious due to escalating trade tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently imposed 10% tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting retaliation from Beijing.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.2%, with the TOPIX index up 0.9%. A weaker yen boosted export-driven stocks, while cybersecurity firm Trend Micro soared over 16% amid reports of a bidding war involving Bain Capital, Advent International, and EQT.
Across Asia, South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 0.9%, bolstered by chipmakers benefiting from China’s AI growth. Australia’s ASX 200 edged up 0.2%, while Singapore’s Straits Times index slipped 0.2%. India’s Nifty 50 pointed to a slight rebound after six consecutive losses, as U.S. tariff threats pressured sentiment.
Meanwhile, oil prices dropped following reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump discussed a potential peace treaty between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite concerns over persistent U.S. inflation, Asian markets maintained positive momentum, with UBS analysts suggesting China’s AI-fueled rally still has room to grow. Investors, however, remain cautious amid the potential for prolonged high U.S. interest rates and escalating global trade disputes.
