Japan's Business Confidence Rises Despite Iran War Uncertainty, BOJ Rate Hike Expected 
Canada's Economy Grows Modestly in January 2025, Driven by Energy and Construction 
Aluminum Prices Surge Toward Four-Year Highs After Gulf Smelter Strikes 
Japan Business Sentiment Rises as Iran War Fuels Inflation Fears, BOJ Rate Hike Looms 
South Korea's $17.3 Billion Emergency Budget Targets Oil Price Surge 
Oil Prices Dip as Trump Eyes Iran De-escalation, Hormuz Closure Persists 
China Manufacturing PMI Hits 12-Month High Amid Energy Price Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Surge After WSJ Report on Trump's Iran War Exit Strategy 
Gold Prices Rebound in Asia Amid Iran War Ceasefire Hopes 
Bessent: Global Oil Market Well Supplied as U.S. Eyes Hormuz Navigation Control 
Asian Stocks Surge on Trump's Iran War Comments and Dip-Buying 
WTO Ministerial Collapse Leaves Global Digital Trade Rules in Limbo 
U.S. Stocks Surge on Iran War De-escalation Hopes 
Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
Bank of Korea Nominee Shin Hyun-song Calls for Flexible Monetary Policy Amid Iran War Risks 
Oil Prices Hold Near Multi-Year Highs Amid Iran Conflict and Hormuz Supply Fears 
Goldman Sachs Sees Value in European Real Estate Stocks Despite Sharp Selloff 
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.
