Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Fed Confirms Rate Meeting Schedule Despite Severe Winter Storm in Washington D.C. 
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
China has lowered its benchmark lending rates for the first time since October, signaling a renewed effort to stimulate its slowing economy. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) cut the one-year loan prime rate (LPR) by 10 basis points to 3.0%, down from 3.1%. The five-year LPR, which is closely tied to mortgage rates, was also reduced by 10 basis points to 3.5% from 3.6%.
These rate cuts come shortly after Beijing unveiled a series of sweeping monetary easing measures aimed at boosting liquidity and supporting growth. The majority of new and outstanding loans in China are linked to the one-year LPR, making this move significant for businesses and consumers alike. The five-year LPR’s reduction is expected to ease mortgage burdens and potentially support China’s struggling real estate sector.
The cuts follow a broader trend of economic stimulus as Chinese authorities seek to counteract the impact of persistent trade tensions with the United States and a challenging global economic environment. Earlier this month, the central bank implemented major liquidity injections to shore up market confidence and increase credit availability.
Investors are closely watching Beijing's next steps, as weak domestic demand and global headwinds continue to pressure the world’s second-largest economy. By adjusting interest rates, the PBOC aims to encourage lending, stabilize markets, and support long-term economic recovery.
The policy shift highlights China's commitment to proactive monetary policy as it grapples with complex challenges, including the fallout from U.S.-China trade disputes and structural weaknesses within the domestic economy. With global markets responding to China’s monetary stance, further easing may follow if growth remains under pressure.
