Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
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 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
The S&P 500 surged 1.5% on Friday, with the Nasdaq rising 1.6% and the Dow Jones climbing 600 points (1.4%) after an intense meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stirred geopolitical concerns.
During their Oval Office discussion, Trump criticized Zelenskyy for not expressing enough gratitude for U.S. support in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Trump suggested a rare earth minerals deal could improve Ukraine’s negotiating stance, warning Zelenskyy against risking World War III. Following the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. on social media, emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to a just peace.
Meanwhile, U.S. inflation data showed PCE prices rose 0.3% in January, maintaining December’s pace. Year-over-year, PCE inflation slightly eased to 2.5%, while core PCE slowed to 2.6%, aligning with expectations. Consumer spending, however, unexpectedly declined by 0.2%, clouding the economic outlook for the Federal Reserve, which has paused interest rate cuts.
Tech stocks faced pressure, with Dell dropping over 4% due to expected margin declines in 2026 amid rising AI server costs. HP fell more than 6% after warning that Trump’s proposed tariffs on China could increase expenses.
Bitcoin trimmed losses but remains down 17% in February as risk sentiment wanes. While digital assets initially surged after Trump’s election victory, fading hopes for crypto-friendly policies and tariff fears have dampened enthusiasm.
Elsewhere, gold prices remained under pressure, and oil was set for its first monthly decline since November.
