Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Scott Bessent and John Paulson Emerge as Treasury Secretary Candidates
Key Investors in the Running
Prominent investors Scott Bessent and John Paulson are strong contenders for the role of U.S. Treasury Secretary in Donald Trump’s potential second term, according to sources close to the former president. Bessent met with Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and received positive feedback, signaling his favorable standing. Although a final decision rests with Trump, Bessent and Paulson are seen as top choices.
Influence of Treasury Secretary on Policy
The U.S. Treasury Secretary plays a pivotal role in economic, regulatory, and international finance matters. Wall Street has been attentive to Trump’s selection, given his agenda to reshape global trade policies with tariffs and tax reform. Trump has previously expressed interest in Paulson for this role due to his alignment with Trump’s economic vision.
Candidates’ Background and Qualifications
Bessent, a hedge fund veteran and former Yale professor, has established a warm relationship with Trump, notably supporting his approach to tariffs. Paulson, a billionaire investor and Trump donor, is known for his advocacy of tax cuts and deregulation. Other speculated candidates include FOX Business personality Larry Kudlow and former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer. However, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reportedly has no plans to join Trump’s administration.
Upcoming Appointments and Odds
Trump recently appointed Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff and is expected to announce additional appointments soon. According to Polymarket betting odds, Bessent is the favorite for Treasury Secretary, with Paulson close behind.
