Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
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 Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
U.S. stock futures were flat Tuesday evening as Wall Street awaited the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, expected to deliver the first interest rate cut of 2025. By 20:19 ET (00:19 GMT), S&P 500 futures edged up 0.1% to 6,673.75, Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1% to 24,549.00, and Dow Jones futures rose 0.1% to 46,166.00.
During Tuesday’s session, the Dow slipped 0.3%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite each dipped 0.1% after hitting record highs the previous day. Markets are pricing in a 25-basis-point cut, lowering the benchmark rate to 4.00%-4.25%. A larger 50-basis-point cut remains unlikely, though Fed funds futures suggest policymakers may reduce rates by as much as 70 basis points by year-end.
Investors are focused on the Fed’s updated economic projections and dot plot for clues on the longer-term rate outlook through 2026. Remarks from Chair Jerome Powell will be closely watched to see if the central bank leans toward gradual easing or faster cuts in response to labor market weakness. Recent data has shown softer job growth and a higher unemployment rate, strengthening expectations of monetary support.
Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales for August rose 0.6% month-over-month, surpassing forecasts of 0.2% and highlighting consumer resilience despite tighter financial conditions.
In corporate news, Nvidia stock fell 1.6% after reports of weak demand for its new China-focused AI chip and a Chinese antitrust probe. Oracle shares climbed 1.5% on reports it could play a role in keeping TikTok operational in the U.S. Ford slipped 0.6% after announcing up to 1,000 job cuts at its electric vehicle plant in Cologne, Germany, due to slowing demand.
Overall, traders are bracing for a pivotal Fed announcement that could shape market sentiment and U.S. economic growth for the rest of the year.
