Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
The U.S. dollar remained weak near a five-month low against major currencies on Wednesday, weighed down by ongoing concerns over the U.S. economy and uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The dollar index hovered at 103.47 after sliding 0.46% on Tuesday to a five-month low of 103.21. Weaker U.S. economic data, including a decline in small-business confidence for the third straight month, heightened recession fears. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which could spark market volatility.
"The market faces a lose-lose situation," said Julien Lafargue, chief strategist at Barclays Private Bank. "A strong CPI could fuel stagflation concerns, while a weak reading may solidify recession fears."
The euro edged down 0.05% to $1.0913 but remained close to a five-month high of $1.0947. Optimism over a potential Ukraine ceasefire and Germany’s fiscal spending plans have supported the currency, though internal political hurdles persist. Meanwhile, the British pound slipped 0.11% to $1.2933 after a strong rally on Tuesday.
The Japanese yen weakened to 148.01 per dollar, recovering from Tuesday’s five-month high of 146.545. The Canadian dollar also saw turbulence following Trump’s tariff policy reversal on steel and aluminum. Traders now await the Bank of Canada’s rate decision, widely expected to bring a 0.25% cut.
Bitcoin stabilized at $82,821 after rebounding from a four-month low of $76,666.98.
With trade uncertainties and economic concerns mounting, market volatility is set to continue as investors seek clarity on U.S. growth prospects.
