U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian stocks surged on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico, easing immediate trade war concerns. The delay provided a relief rally following Monday’s steep declines triggered by Trump’s initial tariff announcement.
Trump had announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% levy on Chinese goods, effective February 4. However, after discussions with Canadian and Mexican officials, he agreed to delay the tariffs on Mexico and Canada by 30 days, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions and offering a potential window for further negotiations.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.5%, while TOPIX gained 1.4%. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 1.8%, rebounding from a multi-week low. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.4%, and the Philippines’ PSEi Composite rallied 2%. In contrast, Thailand’s SET Index slipped 0.8%. U.S. stock index futures also gained in Asian trade after Wall Street closed lower on Monday.
Chinese markets remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday and will reopen on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were still set to take effect, though investors appeared less concerned, expecting future negotiations and potential economic stimulus from China.
Hong Kong stocks soared as optimism around local artificial intelligence (AI) development drove gains. The Hang Seng Index jumped 3%, led by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), which surged 7.2%. Chinese tech giants Xiaomi and Alibaba climbed 5% each, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI-driven growth.
With market sentiment improving and trade uncertainties easing in the short term, investors are closely monitoring further developments in U.S.-China trade relations.
