South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Scott Bessent and John Paulson Emerge as Treasury Secretary Candidates
Key Investors in the Running
Prominent investors Scott Bessent and John Paulson are strong contenders for the role of U.S. Treasury Secretary in Donald Trump’s potential second term, according to sources close to the former president. Bessent met with Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and received positive feedback, signaling his favorable standing. Although a final decision rests with Trump, Bessent and Paulson are seen as top choices.
Influence of Treasury Secretary on Policy
The U.S. Treasury Secretary plays a pivotal role in economic, regulatory, and international finance matters. Wall Street has been attentive to Trump’s selection, given his agenda to reshape global trade policies with tariffs and tax reform. Trump has previously expressed interest in Paulson for this role due to his alignment with Trump’s economic vision.
Candidates’ Background and Qualifications
Bessent, a hedge fund veteran and former Yale professor, has established a warm relationship with Trump, notably supporting his approach to tariffs. Paulson, a billionaire investor and Trump donor, is known for his advocacy of tax cuts and deregulation. Other speculated candidates include FOX Business personality Larry Kudlow and former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer. However, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reportedly has no plans to join Trump’s administration.
Upcoming Appointments and Odds
Trump recently appointed Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff and is expected to announce additional appointments soon. According to Polymarket betting odds, Bessent is the favorite for Treasury Secretary, with Paulson close behind.
