Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
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 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Japan's economy exceeded expectations in Q4 2024, with GDP rising 0.7% quarter-on-quarter, surpassing the forecasted 0.3% and improving from Q3's revised 0.4%. Year-on-year, GDP surged 2.8%, up from a revised 1.7% in the previous quarter.
The robust growth was driven by strong capital expenditure and external demand as businesses increased investments and exports surged. Japanese exporters accelerated shipments in anticipation of higher U.S. trade tariffs under President Donald Trump, who imposed steep duties on steel, aluminum, and Chinese imports.
Despite the export rebound, private consumption growth slowed to 0.1% in Q4 from 0.7% in Q3, signaling a potential cooling in consumer spending after a strong 2024. This comes after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised interest rates by 25 basis points, citing confidence in the economy fueled by resilient consumer demand and wage growth.
While consumption slowed, wage growth has been a key economic driver, and the BOJ anticipates further wage hikes in 2025 from spring labor negotiations. The Q4 data highlights Japan's economic resilience amid global uncertainties, with exports and capital spending offsetting weaker consumer demand.
As Japan navigates U.S. trade policies and domestic consumption trends, its economic outlook remains positive, supported by ongoing wage growth and strong export performance. The BOJ's monetary policy adjustments reflect growing optimism, positioning Japan for steady growth in 2025.
