Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Japan’s exports increased for the fifth consecutive month in February, rising 11.4% year-on-year, slightly below the 12.1% market forecast but up from January’s 7.2% gain. The surge was partly driven by stockpiling as companies brace for U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
Exports to the U.S. climbed 10.5%, with companies like Sony (NYSE: SONY) boosting inventory in anticipation of higher tariffs. Shipments to China rose 14.1%, aided by an earlier end to the Lunar New Year holiday. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.7%, missing market expectations of a 0.1% rise, leading to a trade surplus of 584.5 billion yen ($3.91 billion), below the forecasted 722.8 billion yen.
Trump recently imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, effective last week, with auto tariffs set to follow on April 2. Japan, heavily reliant on exports, particularly automobiles, which make up 28% of the $140.56 billion in annual U.S. trade, faces growing economic uncertainty.
Concerns are mounting that Trump’s protectionist stance could trigger a global slowdown, potentially impacting Japan’s export-driven economy. However, businesses hope strong domestic wage growth will sustain consumer spending and economic stability.
The Bank of Japan is expected to maintain its 0.5% interest rate while assessing the risks posed by escalating U.S. trade tensions at its two-day policy meeting ending Wednesday.
