U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Global equities ended the week under pressure as hawkish comments from Federal Reserve officials dampened hopes for another interest rate cut in December. MSCI’s global stock index slipped, while Wall Street posted a muted performance, weighed down by rising U.S. Treasury yields and renewed inflation concerns.
The S&P 500 rebounded from early losses thanks to bargain hunters, even as major markets from Tokyo to Paris closed sharply lower. Investors were also rattled by uncertainty surrounding Britain’s upcoming budget, adding to the strain on UK markets.
Several Fed policymakers struck a cautious tone, citing persistent inflation and a stabilizing labor market after two rate cuts earlier this year. Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid warned that inflation remains “too hot,” suggesting he could dissent if the Fed moves forward with a December cut. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan also signaled opposition, echoing her stance from October.
Following the record-long U.S. government shutdown—now 43 days without official data—traders adjusted expectations, pricing in a roughly 46% chance of a December rate cut, down from nearly 67% last week, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Despite market jitters, the tech-heavy Nasdaq managed to close slightly higher, supported by renewed interest in high-performing tech stocks. Nvidia gained 1.8%, while the S&P 600 tech index inched up 0.3%. Investors are bracing for a busy week ahead featuring earnings from major retailers and Nvidia, key indicators of consumer strength and AI demand.
The Dow fell 0.65% on the day, while the S&P 500 dipped 0.05% and the Nasdaq rose 0.13%. Global markets mirrored the cautious mood, with European and Asian indexes retreating.
In commodities, oil prices jumped over 2% after a Ukrainian drone attack disrupted exports at Russia’s Novorossiisk port. Meanwhile, gold prices fell sharply as Treasury yields climbed, with spot gold dropping over 2%.
Crypto markets also retreated, with bitcoin down nearly 4% and ethereum slightly lower.
