Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Asian Markets Rise on Tech Gains
Most Asian stocks climbed on Wednesday, buoyed by the tech sector's strong performance. Regional markets followed a positive lead from Wall Street, where technology stocks spurred overnight gains.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.7%, while the TOPIX index gained 0.1%. In Australia, the ASX 200 edged up 0.2%, and Indian futures hinted at a positive open after Tuesday's market recovery.
Chinese Markets Plunge Amid Stimulus Disappointment
Chinese stocks experienced sharp declines. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes dropped over 4% from recent highs. Investors were disheartened by the lack of specifics on new stimulus measures, which dampened optimism following Tuesday’s brief rally after the Golden Week holiday.
Beijing’s announcement of monetary stimulus in late September, including proposed rate cuts and increased liquidity support, did little to reassure markets. Investors were also frustrated by the absence of targeted fiscal policies.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Falls, Tech Limits Losses
The Hang Seng index fell by 0.5%, continuing a 10% decline from the previous session. However, losses were cushioned by the tech sector, which showed some resilience.
Focus Shifts to Global Inflation and the Federal Reserve
As U.S. futures traded flat in Asian markets, attention shifted to upcoming Federal Reserve announcements and inflation data. Earlier bets on a slower pace of U.S. rate cuts had weighed on markets at the start of the week, but investors remain cautious, awaiting further economic cues.
