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Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian stocks surged on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico, easing immediate trade war concerns. The delay provided a relief rally following Monday’s steep declines triggered by Trump’s initial tariff announcement.
Trump had announced a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside a 10% levy on Chinese goods, effective February 4. However, after discussions with Canadian and Mexican officials, he agreed to delay the tariffs on Mexico and Canada by 30 days, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions and offering a potential window for further negotiations.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.5%, while TOPIX gained 1.4%. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 1.8%, rebounding from a multi-week low. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.4%, and the Philippines’ PSEi Composite rallied 2%. In contrast, Thailand’s SET Index slipped 0.8%. U.S. stock index futures also gained in Asian trade after Wall Street closed lower on Monday.
Chinese markets remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday and will reopen on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports were still set to take effect, though investors appeared less concerned, expecting future negotiations and potential economic stimulus from China.
Hong Kong stocks soared as optimism around local artificial intelligence (AI) development drove gains. The Hang Seng Index jumped 3%, led by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), which surged 7.2%. Chinese tech giants Xiaomi and Alibaba climbed 5% each, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI-driven growth.
With market sentiment improving and trade uncertainties easing in the short term, investors are closely monitoring further developments in U.S.-China trade relations.
