UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Japan Revises Economic Growth Forecast as Stimulus Fuels Consumption and Investment 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
U.S. Stocks Rally to Record Highs as AI Rebound Fuels Holiday-Shortened Session 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
U.S. stock index futures fell Sunday evening following a strong week on Wall Street, as President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on Colombia, sparking market concerns. Investors are also adopting a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision and key economic data.
By 18:45 ET (23:45 GMT), S&P 500 Futures dropped 0.5% to 6,103.0 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures fell 1.2% to 21,646.25 points, and Dow Jones Futures edged 0.2% lower to 44,535.0 points.
Trump revealed plans to impose a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, escalating to 50% next week, after Colombia rejected U.S. repatriation flights. Additional sanctions include travel bans and visa revocations for Colombian officials. Colombia responded with threats of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods, potentially impacting sectors like petroleum, coffee, and flowers. Trump's announcement follows his earlier warning of possible tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and the EU by February 1.
Investors are closely watching the Federal Reserve's upcoming policy meeting, alongside December’s PCE price index, Q4 GDP estimates, weekly jobless claims, and consumer confidence data. These metrics could influence market direction amid inflationary concerns.
In tech, China’s AI startup DeepSeek unveiled its cost-efficient R1 model, comparable to OpenAI's ChatGPT, pressuring established players like NVIDIA. Nvidia’s stock dropped over 3% Friday and could face further challenges.
Last week, Wall Street saw gains driven by Netflix's strong earnings and the Stargate initiative. The S&P 500 rose 1.7% to 6,101.24 points, while the Dow Jones climbed 2.2% to 44,424.25, and the NASDAQ added 1.7%. This week, investors anticipate earnings reports from Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla, which may shape market sentiment further.
