Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
European stock markets edged higher on Monday as investors assessed rising geopolitical tensions and anticipated key central bank decisions. Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 each gained 0.4%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.2% by 07:05 GMT.
The Israel-Iran conflict remained in focus after Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities Friday. Iran responded with retaliatory missile attacks, escalating regional tensions and pushing oil prices sharply higher. However, markets remain relatively stable amid assumptions that Iran will avoid closing the critical Strait of Hormuz, a move that could trigger broader U.S. involvement.
Oil prices rose further on Monday following last week’s 7% jump. Brent crude climbed 1% to $74.97 per barrel, while WTI crude increased 1.1% to $72.05.
Investors are now watching the U.S. Federal Reserve, which meets this week amid rising energy prices, soft labor market data, and persistent inflation. The Fed is expected to hold rates steady at 4.25%-4.50% on Wednesday, but traders will scrutinize guidance for any hints of a potential rate cut in the coming months.
This week also brings decisions from the Bank of Japan, Bank of England, Norges Bank, Riksbank, and Swiss National Bank, with Sweden expected to cut rates and Switzerland possibly returning to negative territory due to a strong franc.
Meanwhile, the G7 summit kicks off in Canada, where leaders will discuss global security, critical mineral supply chains, and jobs. U.S. tariffs and conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East are expected to dominate the agenda.
In corporate news, Kering may appoint Luca de Meo as CEO, according to Le Figaro, while Entain raised BetMGM’s annual revenue forecast on strong U.S. iGaming and sports betting growth.
