Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Weigh Warsh-Led Fed and Yen Weakness Ahead of Japan Election 
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook 
Dollar Holds Firm as Strong U.S. Data, Fed Expectations and Global Central Bank Moves Shape Markets 
S&P 500 Rises as AI Stocks and Small Caps Rally on Strong Earnings Outlook 
EU Recovery Fund Faces Bottlenecks Despite Driving Digital and Green Projects 
Gold, Silver, and Platinum Rally as Precious Metals Recover from Sharp Selloff 
Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions 
JPMorgan Lifts Gold Price Forecast to $6,300 by End-2026 on Strong Central Bank and Investor Demand 
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
South Korea Inflation Hits Five-Month Low as CPI Reaches Central Bank Target 
Indian Rupee Strengthens Sharply After U.S.-India Trade Deal Announcement 
China Manufacturing PMI Slips Into Contraction in January as Weak Demand Pressures Economy 
China Home Prices Rise in January as Government Signals Stronger Support for Property Market 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Investors Eye Big Tech Earnings and AI Momentum 
Asian Markets Slide as Silver Volatility, Earnings Season, and Central Bank Meetings Rattle Investors 
The euro edged closer to its strongest level in nearly four years on Thursday, buoyed by optimism over new trade agreements between the United States and key partners, including the European Union and Japan. The potential U.S.-EU deal may feature a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods with possible exemptions, according to European diplomats. This follows Washington’s agreement with Tokyo, which reduces auto tariffs and secures a $550 billion package of U.S.-bound investment and loans.
Global markets responded positively, with investors shifting away from the U.S. dollar and risk-sensitive currencies rallying. The Australian dollar climbed to an eight-month high of $0.6604, while the euro traded at $1.1768, near the $1.1830 peak hit earlier this month, marking its highest level in over three years. The U.S. dollar slipped 0.03% against the yen to 146.38, extending its decline for a fourth session despite Japan’s ongoing political uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s denial of resignation rumors after an election defeat.
Sterling held firm at $1.3582, while the New Zealand dollar hovered at $0.6046. The U.S. dollar index remained steady at 97.21.
Beyond trade negotiations, market focus has shifted to the European Central Bank’s upcoming rate decision. While no immediate policy change is expected, investors are watching closely for signals on future monetary easing, with another rate cut anticipated by December. The recent trade breakthroughs and potential ECB actions are shaping currency market dynamics, reinforcing risk appetite amid easing geopolitical tensions.
