Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
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 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
The S&P 500 surged Friday, led by tech stocks, but still marked its fourth straight weekly loss amid trade war concerns and a sharp drop in consumer sentiment. The Dow Jones gained 674 points (1.7%), the S&P 500 rose 2%, and the NASDAQ climbed 2.6%.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) jumped over 5%, aiming to break a three-week losing streak. Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) soared 13% on strong Q4 results, while Semtech (NASDAQ: SMTC) surged 21% after upbeat Q1 guidance.
Consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, with the University of Michigan’s index dropping to 57.9 from 64.7, well below expectations. Inflation fears intensified as one-year inflation expectations spiked to 4.9%, marking three consecutive months of sharp increases. Long-term inflation expectations also jumped to 3.9%, the biggest monthly rise since 1993.
Trade war concerns escalated after former President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, retaliating against the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey. Investors worry this could fuel inflation and slow economic growth.
Meanwhile, a government shutdown appears to have been averted as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-crafted funding bill.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) rose 3.9% after reports it plans to launch a more affordable Model Y in China to defend its market share. The EV giant has faced challenges, including a 30% stock decline this month, backlash over Elon Musk’s Dogecoin involvement, and protests at dealerships. Concerns also persist over trade war-related tariffs impacting Tesla’s business.
With inflation worries mounting, Federal Reserve hawkishness, and trade tensions intensifying, market volatility is expected to remain high.
