U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
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Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
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Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Asian stock markets showed mixed but generally positive performance on Wednesday, led by strong gains in Japanese stocks and renewed optimism around China’s economy and technology sector. Japan’s equity markets surged to fresh record highs amid speculation of a snap election and expectations of increased fiscal stimulus from Tokyo, while Chinese stocks advanced on robust trade data and continued momentum in technology shares.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.6% to a record 54,442 points, while the TOPIX index rose 0.8% to a new peak of 3,630.76. Investor sentiment was buoyed by reports suggesting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may dissolve the lower house of parliament to call a snap election as early as February. Markets interpreted this as a signal that the government could expand fiscal stimulus, particularly if Takaichi strengthens her parliamentary position. The prospect of looser fiscal policy pushed the Japanese yen to its weakest level in nearly two years, boosting export-heavy stocks and adding further support to equities, despite concerns that such policies may strain Japan’s long-term fiscal health.
Chinese markets also posted solid gains, supported by strong economic data and optimism around artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite Index rose more than 1% each, reaching multi-year highs, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added 0.5%. Data showed China’s trade surplus hit a record $1.25 trillion in 2025, with strong demand from Europe offsetting weaker U.S. exports. A sharp rise in December imports further raised hopes that domestic demand is recovering under continued policy support from Beijing.
Technology stocks in China and Hong Kong extended their rally, fueled by recent high-profile AI-related IPOs and growing confidence in the country’s push toward self-reliance in advanced chips. Chipmaking shares rose after reports that Beijing plans to limit access to Nvidia’s H200 AI chips, even after Washington approved their sale to China, reinforcing support for local semiconductor firms.
Elsewhere in Asia, markets were more subdued. South Korea’s KOSPI fell 0.3% as a tech-led rally cooled, while Australia, Singapore, and India also edged lower amid cautious global sentiment and concerns over U.S. trade policies.
