Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Nighttime Shelling Causes Serious Damage in Russia’s Belgorod Region Near Ukraine Border 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
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. Lawmakers to Review Unredacted Jeffrey Epstein DOJ Files Starting Monday 
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat Against Vice President JD Vance, Faces Additional Federal Charges 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Norway Opens Corruption Probe Into Former PM and Nobel Committee Chair Thorbjoern Jagland Over Epstein Links 
New York Legalizes Medical Aid in Dying for Terminally Ill Patients 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the second time in two months on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the 72-year U.S.–South Korea alliance. The two leaders are expected to discuss key issues including trade, defense costs, nuclear cooperation, and North Korea ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju, which Trump is unlikely to attend.
Trade negotiations remain at an impasse as Seoul and Washington struggle to finalize a deal to reduce U.S. import duties on South Korean goods. The stalemate centers on a $350 billion investment pledge from South Korea, with Trump demanding the amount be paid “up front” in cash or equity. Seoul has proposed offering the funds primarily through loans and guarantees to support South Korean firms expanding in the United States, warning that a full cash payment could destabilize its financial markets.
Defense spending is another pressing issue. Trump has called on allies to pay significantly more for U.S. military presence and to raise defense budgets to 3.5% of GDP. South Korea currently spends 2.3% but plans an 8.3% increase in 2026—more than double this year’s rise. U.S. officials are also considering expanding the role of the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea to address regional tensions involving China.
On nuclear energy, Seoul seeks revisions to a bilateral agreement allowing it to reprocess spent fuel and enrich uranium for civilian use. Meanwhile, discussions on North Korea remain complex. Although both nations agree on denuclearization, Trump’s remarks acknowledging Pyongyang as a “nuclear power” have raised concerns. President Lee remains committed to dialogue, viewing Trump as a potential bridge to Kim Jong Un, though North Korea has yet to respond.
Additionally, both sides aim to resolve issues surrounding U.S. work visas for South Korean employees after the recent arrests of hundreds of Hyundai workers, a move that shocked Seoul.
