Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Asian stocks declined Thursday as concerns over high U.S. interest rates and fresh trade tariffs dampened investor sentiment. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng led the losses, falling 2.2%, as enthusiasm for AI stocks waned.
Wall Street provided a mixed lead, with the S&P 500 hitting a record high but showing limited gains due to weaker risk appetite. U.S. stock futures slipped after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors within a month, along with new duties on lumber.
Trade-sensitive markets reacted sharply. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.7%, while the TOPIX lost 1.5%. Major automakers Toyota and Honda both fell over 2% as concerns grew over their reliance on U.S. sales. South Korea’s KOSPI declined 0.6%, and Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged down 0.1%. Australia’s ASX 200 slid 1.3%, hit by both tariff concerns and stronger-than-expected job data, which reinforced expectations of a hawkish Reserve Bank of Australia.
Hong Kong’s tech sector took a hit, with Baidu dropping over 2% after weak earnings, dragging Alibaba down 2.5%. While optimism over AI had driven Chinese tech stocks higher in recent weeks, market momentum faded.
Mainland Chinese markets also weakened, but losses were limited amid expectations of further stimulus from Beijing. The People’s Bank of China kept its loan prime rate at record lows. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 fell 0.4%, and the Shanghai Composite lost 0.2%.
Despite the market downturn, hopes for a potential U.S.-China trade deal provided some support. However, Trump’s earlier 10% tariffs on Chinese goods in February remain a headwind for the region’s economic outlook.
