Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
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 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
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 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
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 
U.S. stock index futures rose sharply Wednesday evening, driven by strong quarterly earnings from Microsoft and Meta Platforms that boosted optimism for AI-led growth. The rally followed a muted Wall Street session earlier in the day after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, dampening expectations for a rate cut in September.
Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 1.1% to 23,719.75 points, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.7% to 6,441.25 points. Dow Jones futures added 0.2% to 44,690 points. The tech-heavy Nasdaq outperformed as investor sentiment improved on robust results from major tech firms.
During regular trading, the S&P 500 slipped 0.1%, the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.2%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.4%. The Fed’s decision marked the first double dissent since 1993, with Trump-appointed governors Michelle Bowman and Christopher Waller favoring a 25 basis-point cut. President Donald Trump criticized the central bank, urging rapid rate reductions to spur growth.
Economic data earlier Wednesday showed U.S. GDP grew more than expected in Q2, rebounding from a Q1 contraction. Private payrolls rose by 104,000 in July, ahead of Friday’s key nonfarm payrolls report.
Microsoft surged over 8% after reporting strong cloud and AI-driven revenue, while Meta soared nearly 12% on robust ad growth and upbeat guidance. Apple and Amazon are set to report next.
In trade developments, Trump announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports alongside a $350 billion U.S. investment pledge from Seoul and a 25% tariff on India over Russian military purchases. A 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products begins August 1, signaling escalating trade tensions.
