Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry 
Fed Confirms Rate Meeting Schedule Despite Severe Winter Storm in Washington D.C. 
India Budget 2025 Highlights Manufacturing Push but Falls Short of Market Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
JPMorgan Lifts Gold Price Forecast to $6,300 by End-2026 on Strong Central Bank and Investor Demand 
Trump Announces U.S.–India Trade Deal Cutting Tariffs, Boosting Markets and Energy Ties 
Asian Currencies Strengthen as Indian Rupee and Australian Dollar Rally 
FxWirePro: Daily Commodity Tracker - 21st March, 2022 
BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action 
ECB Signals Steady Interest Rates as Fed Risks Loom Over Outlook 
Japan's December retail sales dropped more than expected, suggesting slow economic growth in the fourth quarter due to sluggish household spending. While the markets expect further monetary easing from the BoJ, the downbeat data will put further pressure on the policymakers to turn around weak economic recovery.
According to data ministry, December retail sales dropped 1.1 percent y/y recording its second straight decline in months, above markets forecast of a 0.1 percent decline.
A sluggish EM demand and slow wage growth continues to weigh on exports and private consumption, further suppressing the economy's growth. The current financial market turmoil has tightened pressure on the BOJ to expand its monetary stimulus; however, most of the central bankers do not expect the central bank to ease its policy as they perceive that the Japan's economy is likely to recover moderately.
