Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
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Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
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Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
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 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
New Zealand’s economy expanded more than expected in Q1 2025, strengthening recovery hopes after last year’s recession and giving the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) more leeway before making further interest rate cuts. According to Statistics New Zealand, gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8% in the March quarter, exceeding the Reserve Bank's forecast of 0.4% and analysts’ expectations of 0.7%. The previous quarter’s growth was revised down to 0.5% from 0.7%.
This stronger-than-expected performance signals a quicker rebound for the economy, which experienced a technical recession in 2024 with two consecutive quarters of contraction—the worst since 1991 outside the COVID-19 era. On an annual basis, GDP contracted 0.7%, slightly better than the anticipated 0.8% decline.
Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon said the RBNZ is likely to pause at its July cash rate review to assess ongoing economic developments. Since August 2024, the central bank has cut the official cash rate by 225 basis points, currently at 3.25%, and has signaled at least one more rate cut this year due to global trade risks.
Industry-wise, nine of 16 sectors showed growth, led by business services and manufacturing. However, declines were reported in arts, recreation, media, and telecommunications. The data release had minimal market impact, with the New Zealand dollar steady at $0.6028.
This economic resilience may delay aggressive monetary easing, as policymakers seek to balance inflation control with growth stability. The RBNZ is expected to stay cautious amid global uncertainty and domestic sectoral imbalances.
