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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
The Federal Reserve signaled a cautious approach to rate cuts during its December 17-18 meeting, citing slower progress in reducing inflation. Meeting minutes revealed concerns about the disinflationary process stalling, with some price readings exceeding expectations. Policymakers emphasized the need to adjust the pace of monetary policy more gradually, aiming to reach the 2% inflation target.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) reduced the benchmark rate to 4.25%-4.5% during the meeting, marking a third consecutive cut. However, this "hawkish cut" reflected reduced expectations for further rate cuts in 2025. While most participants supported the decision, one member voted against it, highlighting divided opinions on policy adjustments.
Fed members projected inflation would take longer to stabilize at 2% and scaled back their outlook for 2025, predicting only two rate cuts instead of the previously anticipated four. This tempered outlook comes as economic indicators, like the ISM services survey, suggest renewed price pressures.
Despite concerns, Fed Governor Christopher Waller expressed optimism on Wednesday, reiterating his expectation for continued inflation declines. He assured that rate cuts remain feasible if disinflationary trends persist.
Traders now anticipate a policy pause until June, according to Investing.com’s Fed Rate Monitor Tool.
