Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
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 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
The U.S. dollar held firm on Wednesday, bolstered by trade tariff concerns and stalled Russia-Ukraine peace talks, while the New Zealand dollar weakened following an aggressive rate cut by its central bank.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand slashed its benchmark rate by 50 basis points to 3.75% to stimulate the sluggish economy. The kiwi fell 0.3% to $0.5687 as policymakers signaled further cuts. Meanwhile, the euro dipped to $1.0442 amid geopolitical tensions, with divisions between the U.S. and Europe on Ukraine adding uncertainty.
President Donald Trump’s tariff threats drove market unease, with plans for a 25% levy on autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. The greenback edged up, supported by euro softness, though it remained near a two-month low of 106.56. Analysts suggest skepticism around Trump's tariff moves could limit USD gains.
The Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes, expected later Wednesday, could offer insight into future monetary policy. Markets have priced in around 35 basis points of cuts for 2025. The dollar index rose 0.04% to 107.04.
The Japanese yen strengthened to 152 per dollar, supported by strong GDP growth and inflation, fueling speculation about a Bank of Japan rate hike in July. Investors await remarks from board member Hajime Takata and upcoming CPI data.
Sterling held steady at $1.2613 after hitting a two-month high of $1.2641, with UK inflation data due Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar slipped 0.07% to $0.63495 as wage growth slowed, reinforcing expectations of cautious monetary policy from the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Investors remain watchful of geopolitical developments, central bank policies, and trade uncertainties shaping currency movements.
