Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Key Fed Decision 
U.S. Defense Bill Sets Record $901 Billion Budget, Includes Ukraine Aid 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
Global Currencies Steady Ahead of Key Central Bank Decisions 
Holiday Economic Questions: What Bank of America Says You Should Expect 
Japan’s Q3 Economic Contraction Deepens as Revised Data Signals Stronger Headwinds 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Asian stocks traded mostly lower on Tuesday as markets digested renewed U.S. political and economic uncertainty. Investor sentiment was shaken by President Donald Trump’s harsh criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, warning of a potential recession if interest rates aren’t cut. Wall Street tumbled on Monday, dragging Asian equities down, although S&P 500 futures rose 0.6% in early Asian trade on hopes of a rebound.
Caution remained high ahead of key Q1 earnings, with Tesla set to report later in the day. The ongoing U.S.-China trade war also weighed on sentiment, as Beijing warned other nations against trade deals with Washington that could harm China’s interests. The warning followed Trump’s tariff hike on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with a 125% levy on U.S. imports. China’s CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite remained flat, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.5%. JD.com and Meituan shares plunged over 6% on signs of intensifying food delivery competition.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.1% as exporters struggled with a seven-month-high yen. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed concerns over Trump’s 25% tariffs on foreign cars, which threaten Japan’s automotive sector. Investors also eyed possible rate hikes from the Bank of Japan after March inflation remained elevated.
Australia’s ASX 200 stayed flat ahead of PMI data, while South Korea’s KOSPI saw minor gains before its GDP release. Singapore’s Straits Times Index outperformed, climbing 1.2% as investors sought safety in bank stocks. India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed to further gains after a strong previous session.
Overall, uncertainty surrounding global trade policies and monetary tightening kept Asian markets in a tight trading range.
