Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
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 
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 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy Expands Security Cooperation with South Korea and Indonesia
UK Foreign Minister David Lammy is set to enhance Britain’s security ties with South Korea and Indonesia during his visit to both nations. A key part of his discussions will focus on regional stability, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and the global transition to clean energy.
Strengthening Ties with South Korea
Lammy's visit to South Korea follows recent tensions sparked by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that North Korea may send 10,000 troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war efforts. Although NATO Chief Mark Rutte has confirmed there is no current evidence of such involvement, concerns persist about Pyongyang’s activities, especially following a series of North Korean missile tests this year.
In a statement, Lammy praised South Korea's support for Ukraine and its efforts to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula. He emphasized the "interconnectedness of conflict," noting that North Korea’s backing of Russia complicates European security and threatens regional peace.
Diplomatic Efforts in Indonesia
Lammy’s visit to Indonesia coincides with the inauguration of President-elect Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The minister is expected to strengthen security cooperation, as Indonesia is a key G20 member and an important ally in Southeast Asia.
As part of his visit, Lammy will also tour South Korea’s Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a significant symbol of regional tension and security efforts.
