Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
The S&P 500 closed lower Wednesday, weighed down by renewed trade tensions and Federal Reserve concerns over tariff-driven economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.6% (244 points), and the NASDAQ Composite dropped 0.5%.
Market sentiment soured after reports that President Donald Trump ordered U.S. semiconductor software firms to halt sales to China. According to the Financial Times, the directive affects major chipmakers like Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), AMD (NASDAQ: AMD), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), which all saw share declines. Nvidia, in particular, is under pressure as it prepared to release quarterly results post-market. Analysts expect strong earnings—$0.893 EPS on $43.12 billion in revenue—driven by demand from AI hyperscalers expanding data center capacity.
However, investor focus remains on Nvidia's future guidance and its position in China, where U.S. export restrictions are tightening. CEO Jensen Huang recently criticized these restrictions as ineffective, forecasting that China could still become a $50 billion market for Nvidia.
On the retail front, Macy’s (NYSE: M) rose on a strong Q1 earnings beat but cut its full-year outlook due to tariffs, weaker consumer spending, and competitive pricing pressures. Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) also beat Q1 profit expectations, despite slightly missing on revenue. Dick’s Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) gained after reporting record sales and reaffirming its 2025 forecast.
Meanwhile, Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA) slumped after issuing cautious guidance due to ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.
Federal Reserve minutes released Wednesday echoed concerns about trade policy uncertainty. Policymakers remain hesitant to cut rates, citing inflation risks tied to President Trump’s tariffs. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari emphasized the importance of not underestimating supply-side price shocks.
