Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
The U.S. dollar strengthened on Friday as escalating global trade tensions and economic slowdown fears weighed on markets. The euro slipped to $1.0847, retreating further from Tuesday’s five-month peak, as a trade dispute between the U.S. and EU intensified.
President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports, following the EU’s plans to impose levies on American whiskey in response to recent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. The ongoing trade friction fueled uncertainty, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries, while the S&P 500 tumbled into correction territory.
The dollar index rose 0.1% to 103.95, extending its two-day gain, while the yen weakened to 148.32 per dollar. Japan’s wage negotiation results, expected later in the day, could influence the Bank of Japan’s interest rate stance, though policymakers are likely to remain cautious at next week’s meeting.
The pound hovered around $1.2945, awaiting UK GDP data, after retreating from Wednesday’s high of $1.2990. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar steadied at $0.6284, and the New Zealand dollar edged up 0.1% to $0.5702.
Bitcoin gained 1.32% to $81,410.36, continuing its recent uptrend amid broader market volatility.
Adding to economic concerns, a potential U.S. government shutdown looms. However, Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer signaled support for a Republican funding bill, easing some uncertainty.
As global markets navigate economic risks and policy shifts, investors remain cautious, awaiting key economic data and trade developments.
