Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
China’s Manufacturing Shows First Growth in Six Months
China’s manufacturing sector expanded in October for the first time in six months, boosted by recent financial stimulus. The official Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 50.1 from 49.8 in September, just above the critical 50-point mark that indicates growth. This rise exceeded the 49.9 forecasted by analysts, suggesting positive momentum in the world’s second-largest economy.
Service Sector Gains and Policy Impact
In addition to manufacturing, the non-manufacturing PMI, covering services and construction, rose to 50.2, up from September’s neutral 50.0. Policymakers are optimistic that these gains reflect the impact of new stimulus measures announced in late September, aimed at stabilizing China’s $19 trillion economy. These policies are expected to boost lending and investment and counter the recent downturn in property markets and consumer confidence.
Challenges and Economic Outlook
Despite signs of growth, challenges remain. In September, China’s industrial profits dropped sharply, largely due to weak demand. Deflationary trends and low loan demand also persist, underscoring the need for continued policy support. Economists note that survey-based sentiment indicators can sometimes overstate pessimism, contrasting with hard data showing potential for recovery.
Potential Additional Stimulus
Reports suggest that China may soon approve more than 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) in additional debt to further invigorate the economy, highlighting the government’s commitment to fostering growth amid global economic uncertainty.
