China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Australian equities are set to benefit from renewed U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with technology and cyclical sectors likely to outperform as global liquidity improves, according to a research note from Macquarie.
The broker said a shift in monetary policy favors stocks over bonds, cyclical sectors over defensives, and growth over value, comparing the current market environment to 1998, when global easing and optimism around technology sparked a broad rally. With both the Fed and the Reserve Bank of Australia moving toward rate cuts, Macquarie expects liquidity-driven gains through the end of the year.
Macquarie highlighted technology and AI-related plays as core holdings, citing Nextdc (ASX:NXT) and Seek Ltd (ASX:SEK). Growth-oriented companies such as Lovisa Holdings (ASX:LOV) and Webjet Group (ASX:WJL) were also named as key beneficiaries of stronger market sentiment. The broker noted these positions build on portfolio adjustments made in July to lean further into growth and technology exposure.
Cyclical stocks with significant U.S. exposure are another area of focus. Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL), Breville Group (ASX:BRG), CAR Group (ASX:CAR), and Flight Centre (ASX:FLT) are expected to gain from improving U.S. demand. In addition, gold miners remain a favored trade, with Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) and Newmont (ASX:NEM) well positioned as investors increase allocations to safe-haven assets.
Macquarie also pointed to improving risk appetite as a driver for small-cap stocks, while defensive sectors like healthcare and staples are likely to lag behind.
