South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Global equity markets surged on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 and European shares closing at record highs amid strong U.S. earnings, trade tariff concerns, and increased European defense spending. The S&P 500 inched past its previous peak, while the Dow Jones rose 0.02% to 44,556.34, the S&P 500 gained 0.24% to 6,129.58, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.07% to 20,041.26.
European markets also rallied, with the STOXX 600 reaching an all-time high of 557.96, driven by banking and defense stocks. Investors reacted to potential economic stimulus following upcoming German elections and concerns over U.S. trade policies and inflation. Germany’s 10-year bond yield climbed to 2.51%, reflecting expectations of increased government spending.
China’s stock market benefited from optimism surrounding President Xi Jinping’s meeting with domestic business leaders. Meanwhile, European leaders committed to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing U.S.-Russia negotiations.
Inflation concerns remained high, with key U.S. measures exceeding the Fed’s target. Investors anticipate the release of the Fed’s January meeting minutes, following hawkish remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.554%.
The dollar strengthened against major currencies, gaining 0.35% against the yen and 0.28% against the Swiss franc. The dollar index climbed 0.28% to 107.02, while the euro fell to $1.0449.
In commodities, Brent crude oil increased 0.82% to $75.84 per barrel ahead of U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, while gold prices surged 1.23% to $2,933.37 an ounce.
Market analysts remain cautious about trade tariffs and persistent inflation, which could delay the Fed’s anticipated rate cuts.
