Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Stabilizes, Yen Weakens Ahead of Japan Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian Markets Wobble as AI Fears Rattle Stocks, Oil and Gold Rebound 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Mainland Chinese stocks soared to two-year highs on Tuesday, propelled by strong government stimulus. Upon reopening after a week-long break, mainland markets saw a $600 billion surge in market value within minutes of trading. Semiconductor and construction stocks led the rally, with the CSI300 blue-chip index jumping 10% at the open and closing 6% higher by midday. The Shanghai Composite also hit its highest level since December 2021, up 5%.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 6.8%, as investors took profits following recent gains. Analysts noted that some mainland market performances fell short of expectations, tempering sentiment in Hong Kong.
China's stimulus measures, including aggressive fiscal policies, are driving the current rally. BOC International recommends tech and construction stocks as prime long-term investments, indicating that risks of further economic slowdown have been reduced. However, some analysts warn of a potential correction due to profit-taking.
The semiconductor sector in China saw particularly strong gains, with the CSI all-share semiconductor index up 16%, while construction stocks rose 5.1%. Despite mainland gains, Hong Kong's property developer index fell by 11%, signaling potential technical selling pressures.
Economic officials in Beijing reiterated their confidence in achieving full-year growth targets, announcing plans for significant budget spending to boost growth. Investors remain optimistic, though caution is advised as China’s MSCI EM Index weighting has significantly increased.
