Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
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Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
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 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Korea’s industrial production declined in January, highlighting growing economic uncertainty fueled by U.S. tariffs and global trade tensions. According to government data released Tuesday, factory output fell 2.3% month-on-month, reversing December’s 3.9% gain. The decline was smaller than the 3.1% drop predicted in a Reuters poll.
Electronics and semiconductor-related industries were hit hard. Production of electronic components, including display panels, plunged 8.1%, while semiconductor assembly machinery dropped 7.7%. The all-industry production index also fell 2.7%, with services sector output slipping 0.9%.
The finance ministry attributed the weak performance to external uncertainties, fewer working days, and an unfavorable base effect. Meanwhile, facility investment plummeted 14.2% due to reduced imports of semiconductor machinery and transport equipment. Retail sales also declined by 0.6%.
Adding to concerns, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would take effect Tuesday, with reciprocal tariffs beginning April 2. Although the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) exempts many goods, Trump’s global steel and aluminum tariffs could impact South Korea’s exports.
In February, South Korea’s exports struggled, with semiconductor shipments ending a 15-month growth streak due to falling memory-chip prices.
As a key global exporter, South Korea faces mounting pressure from shifting trade policies and weakening demand, raising concerns over future economic stability.
