Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump’s Economic Vision
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defended his protectionist trade policies and fiscal proposals in a recent interview at the Economic Club of Chicago. He emphasized that his approach focuses on economic growth and revitalizing American manufacturing, asserting that these policies would not lead to increased federal debt.
Addressing Federal Debt Concerns
Despite budget analysts predicting that Trump's policies could add $7.5 trillion to the federal debt by 2035, Trump remains confident. He argues that imposing tariffs on imported goods, including those from allies like the European Union, will generate sufficient revenue to alleviate concerns about the deficit. "To me, the most beautiful word in the world is 'tariff,'" Trump stated, highlighting his commitment to these measures.
Promises of Tax Breaks
In a follow-up Fox News town hall in Atlanta, Trump promised to introduce more tax breaks for low-income Americans, emphasizing the need for fairness in the tax system. "We're going to readjust things so that it's fair to everybody," he said.
Potential Economic Risks
Experts warn that Trump's tariffs could negatively impact the U.S. economy by increasing consumer prices and jeopardizing jobs. Nevertheless, Trump insists that domestic manufacturing would mitigate these risks. He reiterated his commitment to imposing high tariffs, including a proposed 200% tariff on vehicles imported from Mexico.
Broader Economic Discussions
Throughout the interview, Trump also touched on various topics, including his relationship with the Federal Reserve and international relations. He expressed a desire to influence interest rate decisions while refraining from directly commenting on his future intentions regarding Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
In summary, Trump remains resolute in his protectionist stance, aiming to bolster American manufacturing and provide tax relief, despite the controversy surrounding his fiscal strategies.
