Asian Currencies Hold Steady Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Tensions and BOJ Signals 
Gold Prices Rebound But Head for Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Iran War Uncertainty 
U.S. Trade Rep Dismisses WTO's Future Role After Failed Cameroon Summit 
Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
Bessent: Global Oil Market Well Supplied as U.S. Eyes Hormuz Navigation Control 
Dollar Surges to Monthly High as Middle East Conflict Rattles Global Markets 
South Korea's Exports Hit Record High in March on AI-Driven Chip Demand 
South Korea's $17.3 Billion Emergency Budget Targets Oil Price Surge 
South Korea Manufacturing PMI Hits 4-Year High in March 2025 Driven by Semiconductor Demand 
U.S. Dollar Posts Strong Monthly Gain Amid Middle East Conflict Despite Late Dip 
Japan's Business Confidence Rises Despite Iran War Uncertainty, BOJ Rate Hike Expected 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
RBC Capital: European Medtech Firms Show Minimal Middle East and Energy Risk Exposure 
WTO Ministerial Collapse Leaves Global Digital Trade Rules in Limbo 
Bank of Korea Nominee Shin Hyun-song Calls for Flexible Monetary Policy Amid Iran War Risks 
U.S. Stocks Surge on Iran War De-escalation Hopes 
Iran Strikes Oil Tanker Near Dubai Amid U.S. Threats and Ongoing Middle East Conflict 
U.S. stocks ended lower on Friday, capping the worst monthly performance for Wall Street since March last year, as hotter-than-expected producer inflation data and continued weakness in technology stocks pressured investor sentiment. The S&P 500 fell 0.5% to 6,877.36, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.9% to 22,668.21. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.1% to 48,977.18.
Technology shares led the downturn, with Nvidia stock sliding more than 5% despite reporting strong quarterly earnings. Investors appeared concerned about shareholder returns following a sharp rise in the company’s cash reserves, while profit-taking after a recent rally also weighed on the stock. For February, the S&P 500 lost 0.9% and the Nasdaq tumbled 3.4%, reflecting volatility driven by geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainty, and shifting views on artificial intelligence investment trends. Analysts noted growing concerns over AI-related capital expenditures and potential disruption risks in software and services.
Economic data added to market pressure. January’s Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 0.5% month-over-month and 2.9% year-over-year, exceeding expectations. Core PPI, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.8% monthly and 3.6% annually. The stronger inflation reading may delay Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, reinforcing concerns about sticky inflation. JPMorgan raised its January core PCE inflation estimate to 0.42%, suggesting the Fed could remain cautious in the coming months.
In corporate news, Netflix stock surged 14% after declining to raise its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, while Paramount jumped nearly 21% following its improved $31-per-share offer. Dell Technologies soared 22% on record results fueled by AI server demand, and Block rallied 17% after announcing major job cuts to integrate artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, OpenAI announced a record $110 billion funding round backed by Microsoft, SoftBank, Nvidia, and Amazon, underscoring surging AI demand. Oil prices also climbed, with Brent crude settling at $73.10 per barrel and WTI crude at $66.17, despite ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
