U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data 
BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action 
UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
Wall Street Slides as Warsh Fed Nomination, Hot Inflation, and Precious Metals Rout Shake Markets 
China Manufacturing PMI Slips Into Contraction in January as Weak Demand Pressures Economy 
China Factory Activity Slips in January as Weak Demand Weighs on Growth Outlook 
Japan Election Poll Signals Landslide Win for Sanae Takaichi, Raising Fiscal Policy Concerns 
India Budget 2026: Modi Government Eyes Reforms Amid Global Uncertainty and Fiscal Pressures 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Closes Unchanged Amid Mixed Global Signals 
Dollar Holds Firm as Markets Weigh Warsh-Led Fed and Yen Weakness Ahead of Japan Election 
Gold Prices Pull Back After Record Highs as January Rally Remains Strong 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges 
Asian Markets Slide as Silver Volatility, Earnings Season, and Central Bank Meetings Rattle Investors 
South Korea Exports Surge in January on AI Chip Demand, Marking Fastest Growth in 4.5 Years 
Canada’s Trade Deficit Jumps in November as Exports Slide and Firms Diversify Away From U.S. 
The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso remain under pressure as U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will take effect. The loonie stood at $1.4496, nearing a one-month low, while the peso dipped 0.2% to 20.7390 per dollar, its weakest since early February.
Trump justified the tariffs by citing fentanyl flows into the U.S., dismissing the possibility of a last-minute trade deal. The new tariffs, affecting over $900 billion in annual imports, could disrupt the North American economy, with corporate leaders and economists warning of inflationary effects. Analysts expect further trade restrictions on Europe and beyond, compounding global economic risks.
RBC’s Andrzej Skiba predicts the tariffs will limit the Federal Reserve’s ability to cut interest rates, increasing volatility in fixed-income assets. The U.S. dollar index remained at 106.49 after a recent drop, with concerns rising over weakening consumer spending and potential economic slowdowns.
Meanwhile, the euro held firm at $1.0482 following a sharp rebound, as traders watch for developments in Ukraine and the European Central Bank’s policy decision. The ECB is expected to implement another 25 basis point rate cut amid persistent inflation concerns.
Sterling hovered at $1.26995, while the yen strengthened to 148.75 per dollar. Trump also criticized Japan and China for currency devaluation, adding uncertainty to global markets. The Australian dollar slipped 0.19% to $0.6213, and the New Zealand dollar fell 0.12% to $0.5610.
As markets brace for further trade tensions, investors remain cautious about the broader economic implications of Trump's aggressive tariff policies.
