Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Stabilizes, Offering Relief to Global Currencies
The U.S. dollar paused its rally on Wednesday, providing relief to major currencies like the yen, following last week's sharp rise to a seven-week high. Investors are reassessing the U.S. interest rate path amid a relatively light economic data calendar this week.
Kiwi Hits Low After RBNZ Holds Rates
The New Zealand dollar slumped to $0.6096, its lowest since August 19, after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) opted to keep interest rates unchanged at 5.50%. The Kiwi was last down 0.55%, trading at $0.61035. The RBNZ had previously started an easing cycle in August to reduce rates from 15-year highs.
U.S. Dollar Outlook: Inflation and Earnings Key
Market attention now shifts to Thursday's Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which is expected to drive the next phase of the dollar's movement. Following stronger-than-expected jobs data last week, markets have scaled back expectations for significant interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in November. However, a quarter-point reduction remains a possibility.
Global Currencies Respond
The dollar index remained stable at 102.490, near its recent high of 102.69. The euro held firm at $1.0977, while the British pound traded at $1.3101. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar struggled, down 0.08% at $0.67415.
China's Economic Outlook
In China, despite economic concerns, Beijing expressed confidence in meeting its annual growth targets. However, investors remain cautious as no additional fiscal support measures were announced, leaving the offshore yuan stable at 7.0695 per dollar.
