Chinese Yuan Edges Higher but Faces Biggest Weekly Drop in Over a Year Amid Strong Dollar 
Japan’s Rengo Unions Seek Nearly 6% Wage Increase in 2026 Labor Talks 
China Sets 2026 Growth Target at 4.5–5% While Prioritizing Innovation and Industrial Strength 
ADB: Short Strait of Hormuz Closure Would Have Limited Impact on Developing Asia Growth 
Trump Offers U.S. Insurance and Naval Escort for Tankers as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Oil Trade 
KOSPI Surges Over 12% as South Korean Stocks Rebound on Chipmaker Rally 
Oil Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Disruption and Middle East Conflict Threaten Global Supply 
Oil Prices Surge Over 3% as Middle East Conflict Raises Supply Fears 
Gold Prices Steady in Asian Trade as Strong Dollar and Rising Yields Weigh on Bullion 
Australia and Canada Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership Through New G7 Alliance Agreements 
Federal Judge Orders Refund of Trump’s Emergency Tariffs, Potentially Returning Up to $182 Billion 
Dollar Rally Pauses as Euro Stabilizes Amid Middle East War Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Surge to 2025 High as U.S.-Israel Conflict With Iran Threatens Global Energy Supply 
China Unveils New Five-Year Plan Focused on Tech Power, Economic Growth, and National Security 
China Factory Activity Surges to Five-Year High as Demand Boosts Manufacturing PMI 
Gold Prices Rebound in Asia as U.S.–Iran Tensions Support Safe-Haven Demand 
U.S. Stocks Fall as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Oil Price Concerns 
U.S. stock index futures edged lower Thursday evening after a sharp sell-off in technology stocks dragged Wall Street into steep losses, while investors turned their attention to upcoming consumer price index (CPI) inflation data for further direction. Market sentiment remained fragile amid concerns over artificial intelligence disruptions, weaker corporate earnings, and uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve interest rate policy.
S&P 500 Futures declined 0.1% to 6,845.75 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures also slipped 0.1% to 24,741.0 points. Dow Jones Futures traded slightly lower at 49,506.0 points as of 19:57 ET (00:57 GMT). The cautious tone followed a broad downturn during the regular trading session, led by heavy losses in technology shares.
On Thursday, the S&P 500 dropped 1.6% to close at 6,832.75 points, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 2% to 22,597.15 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.3% to 49,451.88 points. Technology stocks were at the center of the sell-off, with Cisco Systems plunging 12% after reporting weaker-than-expected earnings. The decline weighed on other major tech companies, including members of the “Magnificent Seven,” which fell between 0.6% and 3%.
Investor concerns also intensified following reports that AI firm Algorhythm Holdings introduced a new logistics optimization tool that could significantly reduce inefficiencies in freight and transportation. While Algorhythm shares surged nearly 30%, trucking and logistics stocks sold off sharply amid fears of reduced demand.
Markets are now closely watching January CPI data, which is expected to show a slight cooling in both headline and core inflation. However, inflation has exceeded expectations in January for the past four years, raising concerns of another upside surprise. Stronger-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data earlier this week reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts. According to CME FedWatch data, traders are largely pricing in no rate cuts in March or April, adding further pressure on U.S. equity markets.
