Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
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 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
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 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
European stock markets edged higher on Wednesday as investors remained cautious about economic uncertainties tied to trade tensions and monetary policy moves. By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX rose 0.6%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.1%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 added 0.2%.
Market sentiment was dampened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats. Trump, inaugurated earlier this week, reiterated plans to impose tariffs on EU goods and an additional 10% levy on Chinese imports starting February. European Union Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis warned of a proportionate EU response, highlighting economic interests at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Focus at Davos shifted to European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde, who hinted at potential rate cuts as growth headwinds persist. ECB policymakers, including Klaas Knot, supported market expectations for near-term monetary easing. The ECB is widely expected to lower rates by 25 basis points next week, the first of several anticipated cuts in 2025.
In corporate news, easyJet reported a smaller operating loss in its first quarter, driven by lower fuel costs and strong travel demand, boosting its shares by 1%. Chocolate maker Barry Callebaut saw lower-than-expected sales due to record-high cocoa prices. Meanwhile, OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. AI infrastructure. Netflix reported record subscriber growth, adding optimism to the tech sector.
Oil prices declined, with U.S. crude futures falling 0.5% to $75.43 per barrel and Brent dropping 0.4% to $78.97. The retreat followed Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency aimed at maximizing U.S. energy production and rolling back environmental protections.
Investors remain watchful amid global economic headwinds and geopolitical developments impacting trade, energy, and technology sectors.
