Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Japan’s unemployment rate edged up to 2.5% in January from 2.4% in December, according to government data released on Tuesday. The figure slightly exceeded economists’ median forecast of 2.4%, signaling subtle shifts in the nation’s labor market.
Despite the uptick in unemployment, the jobs-to-applicants ratio improved to 1.26 in January from 1.25 in the previous month, surpassing expectations. A higher ratio indicates increased job opportunities relative to job seekers, reflecting ongoing labor demand.
Japan’s labor market remains relatively tight, supported by sustained economic activity. However, factors such as demographic challenges and global economic uncertainties continue to influence employment trends. Analysts will be closely monitoring upcoming data to assess labor market stability in the coming months.
