Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
China’s trade surplus surged to $172.5 billion in the first two months of 2025, far surpassing the projected $143.1 billion. The unexpected 8.4% drop in imports, driven by weak domestic demand and escalating U.S.-China trade tensions, played a key role in widening the gap.
Exports rose just 2.3% year-on-year, falling short of the anticipated 5% growth and a steep decline from December’s 10.7% jump. The slowdown coincided with new U.S. tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, starting at 10% in February and later increasing to 20%. In retaliation, Beijing levied 10%-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, further straining trade relations.
China’s weaker import demand reflects sluggish consumer spending and industrial activity, compounded by rising protectionist policies. However, analysts anticipate a potential rebound as Beijing implements fresh economic stimulus measures during its annual parliamentary session.
With global trade uncertainties and mounting geopolitical pressures, investors and businesses are closely watching China’s next moves to stabilize growth and counter economic headwinds.
