Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
The U.S. dollar hovered near a four-month low on Friday as uncertainty over tariff policies and economic growth prospects weighed on investor sentiment. A temporary reprieve on tariffs targeting Mexico and Canada, announced by President Donald Trump on Thursday, did little to support the greenback. Meanwhile, market participants awaited U.S. nonfarm payrolls data, set for release later in the day.
The dollar slipped to a three-month low of 0.8820 against the Swiss franc and weakened slightly against the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso. Trump’s tariff suspension is set to expire on April 2, when reciprocal levies will take effect on all U.S. trading partners. Analysts, including Kieran Williams of InTouch Capital Markets, noted that signs of waning U.S. economic strength have led to a diminished appeal for the dollar, with inflationary concerns failing to provide support.
The focus remains on February’s U.S. jobs report, which is expected to show 160,000 job additions, up from 143,000 in January, with unemployment steady at 4.0%. However, a surge in planned layoffs—172,017 in February, the highest since previous recessions—has fueled concerns about economic slowdown. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to address the economic outlook later in the day, with markets pricing in 77 basis points in rate cuts for 2025.
The U.S. dollar index edged down 0.05% to 104.15, while the euro held at $1.0790 after hitting a four-month high. The yen strengthened slightly, with the dollar trading at 147.86 yen. Meanwhile, Bitcoin dropped 4.61% to $85,354.63 following an executive order by Trump establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve funded through asset forfeiture.
