Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold Prices Rise Amid Lower Yields, Rate Cut Expectations
Gold prices continued their upward trajectory on Thursday, nearing record highs as declining U.S. Treasury yields and anticipated interest rate cuts by major central banks provided support. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $2,678.90 per ounce, while December gold futures increased by 0.1% to $2,694.40 per ounce.
The softening of Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year rate, which fell by 0.5%, bolstered bullion. Speculation about a second Trump presidency and its potential inflationary effects contributed to a stronger dollar but did not dampen gold's momentum. Investors are closely watching for a 25 basis-point rate cut from the European Central Bank later in the day, which could further influence gold's performance.
Trump Presidency Speculation Impacts Market Sentiment
Political developments in the U.S. have played a role in market dynamics, with Donald Trump gaining traction in online betting markets. His policies, expected to drive inflation, have affected Treasury yields and strengthened the U.S. dollar. With just weeks before the election, traders remain cautious about the economic outlook.
Copper Declines as China Stimulus Fails to Impress
In contrast, copper prices continued their decline, reflecting disappointment over China’s latest economic stimulus measures for the property sector. Benchmark copper futures dropped 0.6% to $9,548.50 per ton, while December futures fell to $4.3445 per pound.
The briefing from China’s housing minister outlined expanded developer funding but lacked substantial new measures, leaving investors skeptical. With Chinese third-quarter GDP data expected soon, markets are on edge regarding further economic growth.
