China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
South Korea’s industrial production declined in January, highlighting growing economic uncertainty fueled by U.S. tariffs and global trade tensions. According to government data released Tuesday, factory output fell 2.3% month-on-month, reversing December’s 3.9% gain. The decline was smaller than the 3.1% drop predicted in a Reuters poll.
Electronics and semiconductor-related industries were hit hard. Production of electronic components, including display panels, plunged 8.1%, while semiconductor assembly machinery dropped 7.7%. The all-industry production index also fell 2.7%, with services sector output slipping 0.9%.
The finance ministry attributed the weak performance to external uncertainties, fewer working days, and an unfavorable base effect. Meanwhile, facility investment plummeted 14.2% due to reduced imports of semiconductor machinery and transport equipment. Retail sales also declined by 0.6%.
Adding to concerns, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico would take effect Tuesday, with reciprocal tariffs beginning April 2. Although the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) exempts many goods, Trump’s global steel and aluminum tariffs could impact South Korea’s exports.
In February, South Korea’s exports struggled, with semiconductor shipments ending a 15-month growth streak due to falling memory-chip prices.
As a key global exporter, South Korea faces mounting pressure from shifting trade policies and weakening demand, raising concerns over future economic stability.
