Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian markets climbed Monday as investor optimism grew over China’s latest stimulus efforts, despite lingering concerns over U.S. trade tariffs. Gains were fueled by Beijing’s newly announced measures to boost consumer spending, including wage hikes, subsidies, and expanded social welfare. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes saw modest gains, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index jumped 1%.
China’s industrial production exceeded expectations in early 2025, and fixed asset investment rose more than anticipated. However, retail sales met forecasts, and the unemployment rate unexpectedly increased. Optimism around China’s economic policies and AI sector has driven a strong rally in local markets, with Hong Kong stocks leading the charge. Investors now await a key Chinese loan prime rate decision later this week.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 1.1%, and the TOPIX index added 1.2% as traders eyed the Bank of Japan’s upcoming policy meeting. While the BOJ is expected to maintain interest rates, investors are looking for signals on future hikes amid rising inflation and wages.
Other Asian markets mirrored China’s gains. Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.6% but trimmed gains after Treasurer Jim Chalmers warned of higher inflation due to Cyclone Alfred. Singapore’s Straits Times index gained 0.7% after mixed export data, while South Korea’s KOSPI advanced 1.4% on bargain buying in tech stocks. However, political uncertainty loomed ahead of a court ruling on impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
India’s Nifty 50 futures indicated a slightly positive open, as investors awaited wholesale inflation data due later Monday. While Asian stocks enjoyed a rebound, global markets remain cautious amid ongoing trade tensions and central bank decisions.
