Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
The U.S. dollar edged higher on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and investor caution ahead of major central bank meetings kept most currencies range-bound. Market sentiment remained risk-averse, with attention turning to the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
The BOJ is expected to maintain interest rates at its policy meeting, while investors await comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding inflation and potential adjustments to bond-buying. The yen slightly strengthened to 144.70 per dollar, recovering modestly after earlier losses.
Carol Kong, currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, noted the BOJ’s role as the next key market driver, especially amid Japan’s inflation and trade concerns. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent tariff discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump ended without agreement, according to Fuji TV.
Meanwhile, the dollar gained on safe-haven demand as tensions escalated between Iran and Israel. Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit and his call for evacuation from Tehran underscored the crisis. Still, DBS analysts said global spillover risk remains “manageable” for now.
The risk-sensitive Australian dollar fell 0.27% to $0.6507, while the New Zealand dollar slipped 0.17% to $0.6049. The euro dipped 0.1% to $1.1545, and the British pound declined 0.09% to $1.3563. The U.S. dollar index edged up to 98.23.
Looking ahead, the Fed’s policy decision on Wednesday is the week’s major event. While rates are expected to remain steady, investors will focus on the dot plot and economic projections for clues on future policy. Ronald Temple of Lazard predicts no rate cuts this year, diverging from market expectations of two.
Trump also signed a deal to reduce certain tariffs on British imports, advancing U.S.-UK trade negotiations.
