Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Australian Household Spending Dips in December as RBA Tightens Policy 
U.S. Stock Futures Rise as Markets Brace for Jobs and Inflation Data 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Yen Slides as Japan Election Boosts Fiscal Stimulus Expectations 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Nikkei 225 Hits Record High Above 56,000 After Japan Election Boosts Market Confidence 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Middle East Tensions 
Dollar Maintains Weekly Gains
Asian currencies weakened on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar. The dollar's rise is driven by expectations of slower interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, setting the stage for a fourth consecutive week of gains.
Japanese Yen Steadies Amid Election and Intervention Concerns
The Japanese yen hovered near a three-month low at ¥152 against the dollar. Traders remain cautious ahead of Japan's general election this weekend. Polls suggest the ruling Liberal Democratic Party may struggle to secure a majority, which could limit Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ability to enact further economic reforms.
Japan’s government has also issued warnings about possible currency intervention due to the yen’s recent weakness, which has contributed to market volatility.
Dollar's Strength Pressures Asian Currencies
The dollar index remained strong, gaining about 0.6% this week. In addition to Federal Reserve policy, the dollar is supported by speculation that Donald Trump may win the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which could lead to inflationary policies and higher long-term interest rates.
This scenario has weighed on most Asian currencies, with the Chinese yuan rising by 0.1% and the South Korean won surging by 0.7%. The Australian dollar fell by 0.3%, while the Indian rupee remained near record lows.
