Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian markets extended Wall Street gains on Wednesday, fueled by upbeat U.S. economic signals and optimism ahead of Nvidia’s earnings report. Investors welcomed easing trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe and a stabilization in global bond markets after a recent spike in yields.
Stronger-than-expected U.S. consumer confidence and hopes of strong tech earnings boosted investor sentiment. Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), which surged over 4% on Tuesday, is set to report its Q1 results after U.S. markets close. Analysts expect a 66.2% year-on-year revenue jump to $43.28 billion, according to LSEG. Pepperstone’s Chris Weston said there’s growing belief Nvidia will outperform estimates, which could trigger a further rally.
The MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.3%, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed 0.6%, marking its fourth consecutive session of gains. Australian shares edged up 0.17%, though the Australian dollar slipped 0.2% after hotter-than-expected April inflation data. Meanwhile, the New Zealand dollar dropped 0.3% following the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate cut.
The dollar index rose 0.1%, adding to Tuesday’s 0.6% gain, as the greenback firmed against major currencies, including the euro, which fell to $1.132.
Japanese government bonds eased slightly ahead of a key 40-year auction amid speculation the Ministry of Finance might cut long-term bond issuance.
Oil prices rose after the U.S. barred Chevron (NYSE: CVX) from exporting crude from Venezuela, heightening supply concerns. Brent crude futures gained 0.4% to $64.37 a barrel. Spot gold inched up 0.1%, rebounding slightly after a 1% drop the previous day.
Overall, global market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic as investors await Nvidia's earnings and key U.S. labor data later in the week.
