Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Zeekr’s Australian Market Entry
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr has officially commenced sales of its first model in Australia, aiming to expand its footprint in the Oceania market. This launch marks the beginning of its ambitious plans for 2024, with a second model also slated for release in New Zealand.
Promising Start with the Zeekr X
Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia, reported a positive response to their Zeekr X SUV, noting over 2,500 expressions of interest for both the X and the multi-purpose 009 model. This demonstrates the growing consumer demand for innovative EV options in Australia.
The Appeal of the Australian EV Market
Despite being a smaller market globally, with 1.2 million vehicles sold in 2023, Australia presents a lucrative opportunity for Chinese automakers. The absence of a local car manufacturing industry and minimal protectionist policies make it an attractive destination. Moreover, the Australian government has actively promoted electric vehicle adoption since 2022 to achieve its zero emissions targets.
Future Plans and Growth Potential
Zeekr is optimistic about making Oceania one of its largest overseas markets, alongside Southeast Asia and Latin America. With new vehicle efficiency standards set to take effect in 2025, the demand for EVs is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, Zeekr plans to introduce another medium-sized SUV, the 7X, in Australia next year, further solidifying its commitment to this market.
