Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Japan did not retract export restrictions on three critical industrial materials imposed on South Korea in a row over wartime forced labor as the end of the latter's May deadline lapsed.
Consequently, South Korea may resume its complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) that it suspended in November.
The WTO can open up a panel to look further into the case when the two sides fail to reach an agreement.
Japan imposed the export curbs as well as removed South Korea from its list of trusted partners after the latter's Supreme Court ordered Japanese firms to compensate Koreans forced into hard labor during the latter's colonization from 1910-45.
However, experts say it's unlikely that South Korea would withdraw from the military information-sharing pact with Japan dubbed GSOMIA (General Security of Military Information Agreement), as it caused criticism and a strong objection from the United States.
A South Korean trade ministry official said they have been opening dialogue channels and will first analyze Japan's response before making further decisions.
