Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian currencies saw slight gains on Thursday after recent losses, but market sentiment remained cautious due to rising global trade tensions and fears of a U.S. recession. Meanwhile, the dollar steadied following a mild rebound, despite softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data for February. While some CPI components suggested inflation was cooling, others indicated it remained sticky, keeping traders on edge.
A surge in U.S. Treasury yields supported the dollar, as concerns grew over a potential recession and heightened trade tariffs under President Donald Trump. The greenback also held firm ahead of producer price index (PPI) data, which could provide further insight into inflation trends.
The Japanese yen remained stable after reaching a five-month high against the dollar, buoyed by safe-haven demand and expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike, possibly as soon as May. The BOJ is expected to maintain rates at its upcoming meeting.
Other Asian currencies moved within tight ranges. The Chinese yuan edged up 0.1% amid anticipation of Beijing’s stimulus measures to counter Trump’s tariffs. The Australian dollar, South Korean won, and Singapore dollar remained mostly unchanged. The Indian rupee rose 0.1% after inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% threshold, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts.
Despite a softer CPI reading, inflationary pressures from Trump’s tariffs persist, with new 25% duties on steel and aluminum taking effect this week. Markets now await the PPI report for further inflation signals, with the Federal Reserve set to meet next week. A softer inflation outlook could pave the way for additional rate cuts.
