South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Boeing Machinists to Vote on New Contract Proposal Amidst Five-Week Strike
Unionized Boeing machinists, who have been on strike for five weeks, will vote Wednesday on a new contract proposal offering a 35% pay hike over four years. This could bring an end to the costly work stoppage that has affected Boeing’s production lines and strained its finances.
Strike Background and Proposal Details
Since September 13, around 33,000 workers in Washington state and other West Coast locations have halted production of Boeing’s 737 MAX, 767, and 777 models. The new proposal includes a $7,000 ratification bonus, enhanced 401(k) retirement contributions with a one-time $5,000 boost, and an incentive plan.
Boeing has expressed optimism about the vote, stating, "We look forward to our employees voting on the negotiated proposal." However, union members had previously rejected a similar offer, pushing for a 40% wage increase and the return of defined-benefit pensions.
Industry-Wide Impact
The strike has impacted Boeing's suppliers, with Spirit AeroSystems announcing furloughs. Pressure from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who participated in the negotiations, adds urgency to reach an agreement.
While the new offer seems favorable, some older workers remain dissatisfied due to the absence of pension restoration. A final decision on the contract will be made by the workers, as noted by a White House spokesperson, stating that President Biden supports the collective bargaining process.
