Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
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 Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
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.
