Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Markets Gain as China’s Fiscal Stimulus Talks Begin
Most Asian stocks rose on Monday, driven by investor anticipation of further fiscal stimulus discussions from China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee meeting. However, market gains were tempered by risk aversion ahead of the U.S. elections and the Federal Reserve meeting this week.
Low Trading Volumes and Market Sentiment
Trading volumes were light due to a public holiday in Japan, with the Nikkei 225 futures slipping 0.2%. Asian markets were buoyed by Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payroll report, which came in softer than expected, fueling speculation that a cooling U.S. job market might prompt further Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Chinese Stocks Upbeat on Fiscal Stimulus Expectations
China’s Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes advanced 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.7%. Investors are closely monitoring the NPC meeting, where the committee is anticipated to propose substantial fiscal spending, including potential debt issuance of up to $1.4 trillion. Such measures aim to address deflationary pressures and revitalize China’s struggling property sector.
Australia Stocks Rise, Eyes on Reserve Bank
Australia’s ASX 200 edged up 0.3%, as investors await Tuesday's Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) meeting. While the RBA is expected to maintain current rates, it may hint at hawkish policies due to persistent inflation. According to ANZ analysts, the bank does not anticipate beginning rate cuts until 2025.
Mixed Performance Across Asia
South Korea’s KOSPI led gains, rising 1.4% on strong chip stocks. In India, Nifty 50 futures indicated a flat start, with market focus shifting to upcoming earnings reports.
