Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
U.S. and El Salvador Sign Landmark Critical Minerals Agreement to Boost Investment and Trade 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
UK Vehicle Production Falls Sharply in 2025 Amid Cyberattack, Tariffs, and Industry Restructuring 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Lower as Tech Earnings and Fed Decision Shape Market Sentiment 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
Asian Stocks Waver as Trump Signals Fed Pick, Shutdown Deal and Tech Earnings Stir Markets 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
Philippine Economy Slows in Late 2025, Raising Expectations of Further Rate Cuts 
Wall Street Slips as Tech Stocks Slide on AI Spending Fears and Earnings Concerns 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
Toyota and NTT to Invest $3.26 Billion in AI-Powered Autonomous Driving Software
Toyota Motor and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are joining forces to develop advanced AI software for autonomous driving. This initiative, backed by a 500 billion yen ($3.26 billion) investment, aims to bolster vehicle safety by creating systems that can predict and prevent accidents, with a target launch in 2028.
Key Details of the Partnership
The Tokyo-based partnership plans to build automotive software utilizing artificial intelligence that anticipates potential hazards on the road, potentially taking control of vehicles to avoid collisions. This system is expected to be made available to other automakers, signaling a shift in Japan’s automotive landscape as it seeks to compete with global leaders in autonomous driving technology like Tesla and Chinese innovators.
Toyota has a history of innovation in autonomous driving, with its Mirai fuel-cell vehicle featuring hands-free capabilities since 2021. This new collaboration with NTT builds upon prior projects, including a 2017 initiative for 5G-connected vehicles and a 2020 capital alliance focused on smart city development.
Future Implications
Toyota has not officially confirmed the details of the recent announcement but affirmed its ongoing commitment with NTT to create safe, AI-enhanced mobility solutions.
