Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Oil Prices Drop as U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Eases Supply Concerns 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene as USD/JPY Nears 161 Amid Yen Weakness 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
ASX Proposes New Share Dilution Limits for Public Takeovers 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
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.
