RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
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 
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 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Oil Prices Slide on Demand Concerns
Oil prices fell sharply in Asian trading on Tuesday, continuing recent declines as worries over weakening global demand weighed heavily on the market. The drop was also influenced by reports that Israel would not target Iranian oil facilities, reducing fears of an escalation in Middle East tensions.
Brent crude futures fell by 3% to $75.16 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped to $71.03 per barrel, both extending losses from earlier in the week.
China's Declining Demand Adds Pressure
China's fifth consecutive monthly decline in oil imports has sparked concerns about slowing demand. Traders were underwhelmed by recent economic support measures announced by China's Ministry of Finance, which lacked details on the timing and scale of efforts to boost consumption. China's weak economic conditions have further diminished its appetite for crude, pressuring oil prices.
Additionally, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) downgraded its global oil demand forecasts for the third month in a row. OPEC now expects a growth of 1.93 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, down from earlier estimates of 2.03 million bpd. The organization cited China's economic slowdown as a key factor in this revision.
Middle East Tensions Ease
Further weighing on oil prices, a report on Monday indicated that Israel will not attack Iran’s oil or nuclear facilities. This news has reduced the risk premium attached to oil prices, which had surged following Iran’s missile strike on Israel earlier in October. Traders now anticipate a less severe escalation in the region's conflict, providing some relief to the oil market.
