MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
Asian Stock Markets Trade in Narrow Range as Japan GDP Misses Forecasts, Hang Seng Gains 
Oil Prices Steady but Head for Weekly Loss as Supply Glut Concerns Weigh 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as US-Iran Tensions and Strong Payroll Data Shape Market Sentiment 
U.S. Stocks End Mixed as January CPI Cools, Treasury Yields Slide 
Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Consolidate Gains as Japan GDP Disappoints and Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise 
Japan Coalition Urges BOJ Independence as Sales Tax Cut Plan Advances 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
U.S. stock index futures traded little changed on Monday evening as investors prepared for a week packed with major economic data releases and Federal Reserve commentary that could shape the outlook for interest rates. Holiday-thinned trading kept volumes subdued, while markets continued to digest last week’s mixed consumer inflation report and a sharp sell-off in technology stocks.
As of 20:29 ET (01:29 GMT), S&P 500 Futures hovered near 6,852.50 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures edged slightly lower to 24,788.50 points, and Dow Jones Futures held steady around 49,554.0 points. The muted movement reflects investor caution ahead of crucial macroeconomic indicators and ongoing volatility in tech shares driven by concerns about disruptions from the artificial intelligence sector.
Market participants are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes, scheduled for release on Wednesday, for clearer signals on the future path of U.S. interest rates. Several Fed officials are also expected to speak this week, potentially offering further guidance on monetary policy. In addition, industrial production and durable goods data will be released Wednesday, followed by December trade data on Thursday.
Friday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, is likely to be the most closely watched report. The PCE inflation data could provide stronger clues about whether the central bank will maintain its current rate stance in the coming months.
On Friday, Wall Street ended mostly flat despite slightly cooler-than-expected January consumer price index data. While headline and core CPI figures showed modest easing, the data did not significantly shift expectations that interest rates will remain steady. Technology stocks continued to weigh on broader indexes amid AI-related uncertainty. For the week, the S&P 500 declined 1.4%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.2%, underscoring persistent market volatility.
