Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
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 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Korea’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery in September, marking its first expansion in eight months as global demand improved, according to the latest S&P Global survey. The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 50.7 from 48.3 in August, surpassing the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. This was the highest reading since August 2024, driven by stronger output and new orders.
The rebound was fueled by new product launches and mass production, with overseas demand increasing for the first time in six months, particularly in Asia-Pacific markets. However, the domestic economy remained sluggish, limiting overall momentum. Economist Usamah Bhatti from S&P Global Market Intelligence noted that conditions are likely to remain favorable in the near term as manufacturers reported higher outstanding work.
South Korea’s trade-reliant economy already recorded strong growth in the second quarter, supported by robust exports in the technology sector and a rebound in consumer spending. Still, ongoing uncertainty surrounds trade talks with the U.S., where a preliminary deal announced in July has yet to be formalized due to concerns about a $350 billion investment package and its foreign exchange implications. Tariffs imposed by the U.S. remain a potential risk for Korean exporters.
The survey also showed that input purchase inventories declined at the fastest rate since April 2024 due to rising demand, while backlogs of work grew for the first time in half a year. In response, manufacturers boosted new purchases to a 13-month high and expanded employment at the fastest pace in two years. Business confidence stayed positive, though slightly weaker than the previous month, with expectations pinned on new product rollouts and gradual domestic recovery.
At the same time, manufacturers remain cautious about the potential long-term impact of U.S. tariffs on key industries, balancing optimism with lingering trade concerns.
