Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Sydney Bondi Beach Shooting Sparks Calls for Stronger Protection of Jewish Community in Australia 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Belarus Frees Opposition Leaders Maria Kalesnikava and Viktar Babaryka in U.S.-Brokered Deal 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Hong Kong Democratic Party Disbands After Member Vote Amid Security Crackdown 
Trump Administration Moves to Keep TransAlta Coal Plant Running Amid Rising AI Power Demand 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Syria Arrests Five Suspects After Deadly Attack on U.S. and Syrian Troops in Palmyra 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Offers NATO-Style Security Guarantees to Ukraine as Peace Talks Show Progress 
Ukraine Claims First-Ever Underwater Drone Strike on Russian Missile Submarine 
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all NATO members are expected to agree on a defense spending goal of 5% of GDP by the 2025 NATO Summit in June. Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Rubio emphasized the growing commitment among allies to bolster defense budgets amid rising global tensions.
Rubio noted that nearly every NATO country will meet or exceed the current 2% defense spending benchmark, with many already approaching or surpassing 4%. He stressed that the collective goal is for all members to reach 5% of GDP over the next decade.
The move comes in response to long-standing pressure from the United States, particularly from President Donald Trump, who during his 2017–2021 term criticized NATO allies for not sharing the defense burden. Trump has repeatedly argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to the alliance.
In a show of support, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul recently said Berlin backs Trump’s push for increased defense investment. Germany confirmed in January that it met the 2% spending target in 2024, marking a significant shift in its defense policy.
The 2025 NATO Summit is scheduled to take place in the Netherlands from June 24 to 25. The summit is expected to be a pivotal moment for the alliance, highlighting a unified front in response to growing geopolitical threats, including from Russia and China.
As NATO recalibrates its strategic priorities, the 5% defense spending goal signals a significant evolution in alliance policy, underscoring a renewed emphasis on collective security and preparedness. The upcoming summit will likely cement this historic shift in defense commitment among NATO members.
