Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
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 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Signals
U.S. stock index futures remained mostly flat in evening trading on Tuesday as investors await key signals from the Federal Reserve regarding future interest rate decisions. The market is also anticipating crucial inflation data scheduled for release later this week, contributing to cautious sentiment.
Tech Stocks Drive Gains Amid Investor Uncertainty
Tech stocks led gains during a positive session on Wall Street, although other sectors underperformed. Nvidia saw a 4% rally, which helped lift the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite by 1.4% to 18,182.34 points. The S&P 500 rose 1% to 5,751.13 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.3%, closing at 42,080.37 points.
Fed Minutes and Inflation Data in Focus
Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates, particularly with the release of the September meeting minutes on Wednesday. Traders are pricing an 81.1% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike in November, though uncertainty remains. Future rate decisions will likely hinge on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data due Thursday and ongoing labor market trends.
Earnings Season Kicks Off
Attention is also on the start of the third-quarter earnings season, with major banks set to report results on Friday. Investors are watching closely to see whether corporate profits have been affected by high interest rates and persistent inflation pressures.
Stay tuned for more updates as the market reacts to key economic indicators this week.
