Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength Caps Gains 
Japan Finance Minister Defends PM Takaichi’s Remarks on Weak Yen Benefits 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
Japan’s Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports Hit Record High in 2025 Despite Tariffs 
Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
Taiwan Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Fellow Democracies, Rejects Economic Dependence on China 
China and Uruguay Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Shifting Global Order 
Gold and Asian Stocks Rebound as Market Volatility Eases and Global Sentiment Improves 
Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
Gold, Silver, and Platinum Rally as Precious Metals Recover from Sharp Selloff 
Philippines Manufacturing PMI Hits Nine-Month High Despite Weak Confidence Outlook 
Indian Rupee Strengthens Sharply After U.S.-India Trade Deal Announcement 
Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions 
India Budget 2025 Highlights Manufacturing Push but Falls Short of Market Expectations 
Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
U.S. stocks ended slightly lower Friday as markets reacted to President Donald Trump’s remarks on Chinese tariffs ahead of key trade talks this weekend in Switzerland. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 119.07 points (0.29%) to 41,249.38, the S&P 500 lost 4.03 points (0.07%) to 5,659.91, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.78 points to 17,928.92. For the week, the S&P 500 dropped 0.47%, the Nasdaq declined 0.27%, and the Dow fell 0.16%.
Trump suggested that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports "seems right," down from the current 145%, signaling potential policy shifts. Investors are closely watching for outcomes from the weekend discussions, which could either ease or escalate the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. Economists noted that any progress could significantly impact long-term global trade and inflation trends.
Markets remain volatile following Trump’s initial tariff announcements, though strong corporate earnings have helped cushion declines. About 76% of the 450 S&P 500 companies reporting so far have beaten analyst expectations, though many firms have issued cautious forward guidance due to trade uncertainties.
Energy stocks rose 1.1% as oil prices climbed ahead of the trade talks, while healthcare lagged, falling 1.1%. Expedia shares dropped 7.3% after missing revenue estimates.
Fed officials reiterated concerns over economic risks tied to trade tensions, echoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent statements. Meanwhile, India reportedly proposed cutting its tariff gap with the U.S. to under 4% in exchange for tariff relief.
Despite investor optimism from a U.S.-UK trade deal earlier in the week, a 10% baseline U.S. tariff remains on British imports. Market breadth was mixed, with the NYSE showing more advancers while the Nasdaq saw more decliners. Trading volume hit 16.03 billion shares, just below the 20-day average.
