BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady, Upgrades Growth and Inflation Outlook for Japan 
Markets React as Tensions Rise Between White House and Federal Reserve Over Interest Rate Pressure 
Stephen Miran Resigns as White House Economic Adviser Amid Federal Reserve Tenure 
Taiwan Urges Stronger Trade Ties With Fellow Democracies, Rejects Economic Dependence on China 
Japan’s Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Exports Hit Record High in 2025 Despite Tariffs 
Gold Prices Rebound Near Key Levels as U.S.-Iran Tensions Boost Safe-Haven Demand 
Oil Prices Steady as Markets Weigh U.S.-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength Caps Gains 
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady in January as Market Expectations Align 
MAS Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Strong Growth Raises Inflation Risks 
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold Prices Fall Amid Rate Jitters; Copper Steady as China Stimulus Eyed 
The U.S. Fed speakers have delivered a hawkish speech overall, with two out of the four incoming voting members this year (Harker and Evans) suggesting that three quarter-point hikes in rates over the course of 2017 was plausible. Fed Chair Yellen also spoke, although her comments were a little more balanced.
Chicago Fed President Charles L. Evans said that the U.S. economy could experience a burst of 4 percent growth for a year, though did not see this as something that could likely be sustained, adding that it is not possible to just birth a large cohort of 25-year-olds (highlighting the impact of an ageing population). Evans added that he saw current Fed expectations for 75 basis points of tightening as plausible.
Additionally, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick T. Harker (a voter in 2017) said that the labour market is strong and the US economy is creating jobs at a good pace, noting that inflation is moving back up to our 2 percent goal and growth is solid. Harker added that he sees three modest rate hikes as appropriate for 2017, assuming the economy stays on track.
Lastly, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen in her Q&A session said that the U.S. economy is in a recovery phase, with the labour market getting gradually stronger. She said that inflation is also improving, with the 2 percent target not too far.
