South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Oil prices dipped in Asian trading on Monday as markets remained cautious ahead of potential new U.S. tariffs and a possible Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. Brent crude held steady at $74.76 a barrel, while WTI futures for March hovered at $70.69.
Investor sentiment was dampened by renewed trade war fears after President Trump’s tariff announcements last week, which could slow global economic growth and reduce crude demand. Analysts highlighted concerns over escalating U.S.-China trade tensions impacting energy markets.
Trump also hinted at an upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. A peace deal could lift sanctions on Russian oil exports, boosting global supply and offsetting OPEC+ production cuts implemented earlier this year. Russia, a top oil producer, could significantly influence market dynamics if export restrictions ease.
Markets are also eyeing U.S. Federal Reserve comments this week after mixed inflation data. The Consumer Price Index rose 3% annually in January, up from 2.9% in December, tempering expectations for imminent interest rate cuts. Higher interest rates could strengthen the U.S. dollar, making oil more expensive for non-dollar holders and potentially reducing demand. Conversely, dovish signals could weaken the dollar, supporting oil prices.
