Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
The S&P 500 achieved a two-week winning streak despite a 0.3% decline on Friday, retreating from a fresh intraday record high of 6,128.18. The NASDAQ Composite dropped 0.5%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 140 points, or 0.3%. Positive corporate earnings and economic data continued to drive momentum as all three major indexes posted their second consecutive weekly gain.
Verizon Communications saw a nearly 1% rise in stock after reporting its strongest quarterly wireless subscriber growth in five years. American Express dropped 1.4% despite a 12% jump in Q4 profits fueled by holiday spending. Boeing slid 1.4% after projecting a $4 billion loss due to a strike, government project charges, and job cut expenses. Texas Instruments tumbled 7.5% on lower-than-expected profit forecasts, citing inventory challenges in key markets.
Twilio’s stock soared 20% following positive earnings guidance through 2027. Meta Platforms hit a record high, fueled by plans to invest $60–$65 billion in AI infrastructure. Intuitive Machines gained a $2.5 million NASA contract for lunar logistics solutions.
The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 71.1 in January, down from 74.0 in December, ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting. Analysts widely expect the Fed to hold interest rates steady, dismissing inflationary pressures tied to tariffs as temporary. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan raised rates by 25 basis points, marking its third hike since scaling back ultra-loose policies.
This mix of earnings, economic data, and global policy developments highlights ongoing market dynamics, keeping investors focused on corporate performance and central bank decisions.
