Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Asian Currencies Decline Amid Political Uncertainty
Most Asian currencies faced declines on Monday, with the Japanese yen hitting a three-month low. The yen's weakness is attributed to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) loss of a parliamentary majority, diminishing the likelihood of higher interest rates in Japan.
Political Instability Impacts Yen Value
The yen was the weakest performer in Asia, with the USDJPY pair surging 0.9% to 153.68 yen, its highest level since late July. Local media reports indicated that the LDP failed to secure a majority in the recent parliamentary elections, prompting fears of increased political uncertainty. Traders speculate this scenario will inhibit the Bank of Japan (BOJ) from raising interest rates further.
The BOJ is anticipated to maintain its current interest rate during its meeting later this week, following two hikes earlier in 2024. Recent data also show a slowdown in private spending and inflation in Japan, compounding concerns about the yen's stability.
Broader Market Trends
Despite a more cautious risk appetite, the dollar rose to near three-month highs, buoyed by traders’ expectations of reduced U.S. interest rate cuts. The dollar index increased by 0.3%, as key U.S. economic readings—including house prices, GDP, and the PCE price index—are set to be released this week.
In Asian markets, the Chinese yuan rose 0.2%, buoyed by anticipated positive data from China's purchasing managers index. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar fell by 0.3%, and the South Korean won remained stable.
