RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Markets Await China Stimulus
Most Asian currencies remained stable on Thursday, as investors awaited clearer signals on potential financial stimulus from China. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar maintained its strength, reaching 2.5-month highs driven by rising speculation over Donald Trump's possible second term as president.
Dollar Steadies on Trump Trade Prospects
The U.S. dollar index saw a slight dip in Asian markets but stayed near its peak since early August. Predictions of a Trump re-election, which crypto betting platforms like Polymarket currently favor, have boosted the dollar. While some media polls show Vice President Kamala Harris with a narrow lead, Trump’s policies—such as tariff increases and closer Fed coordination—are expected to drive inflation, bolstering both the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields.
Adding to the dollar's strength was the euro's decline ahead of an anticipated European Central Bank interest rate cut.
Chinese Yuan Slips Amid Housing Stimulus Concerns
The Chinese yuan weakened slightly, with the USDCNY pair rising by 0.1%. Investors were disappointed by the latest housing sector stimulus measures, which fell short of expectations during a government briefing. With third-quarter GDP data expected on Friday, markets are watching for further indicators of China's economic health.
Regional Currencies Mixed as Dollar Strengthens
Across the region, currency performance varied. The Japanese yen was flat amid a larger-than-expected trade deficit, while the Australian dollar gained 0.2% due to robust labor market data. South Korea’s win rose 0.4%, but the Indian rupee hovered near record lows.
