U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
UK Job Market Shows Persistent Weakness Ahead of November Budget 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Oil Prices Hold Near Two-Week Highs as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut and Monitor Geopolitical Risks 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
Gold Prices Inch Higher as Fed Rate-Cut Expectations Strengthen 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
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.
