Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
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 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Most Asian currencies traded within a tight range on Tuesday, while the U.S. dollar edged lower as renewed geopolitical concerns dampened investor appetite for American assets. Market sentiment turned cautious after U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his demands regarding Greenland, including the possibility of tariffs on Europe and even potential military action, which unsettled global markets and pressured the greenback.
A U.S. market holiday on Monday resulted in limited overnight cues, keeping Asian markets subdued and largely risk-averse. Regional currencies showed little reaction to China’s central bank leaving its key loan prime rate unchanged, a move that was widely anticipated by investors. Meanwhile, attention shifted to Japan after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a snap election scheduled for early February, adding a layer of political uncertainty ahead of a closely watched Bank of Japan meeting later this week.
The Japanese yen remained muted, with the USD/JPY pair slipping slightly but staying near recent highs. While Prime Minister Takaichi’s strong approval ratings suggest continuity in leadership, markets are questioning how much room the government has for additional fiscal stimulus. Concerns over rising Japanese government bond yields weighed on the yen, even as investors debated whether the Bank of Japan will proceed with further interest rate hikes after its last increase in late 2025. Uncertainty around upcoming spring wage negotiations has also made traders cautious.
The U.S. dollar index and futures both declined modestly in Asian trading, reflecting unease over Trump’s Greenland stance ahead of his expected appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Asian currencies largely remained constrained by this risk-off mood. The Chinese yuan held near its strongest levels in over two years, supported by firm midpoint fixings from the People’s Bank of China. The Australian dollar and Taiwan dollar posted modest gains, benefiting from dollar weakness, while the South Korean won, Singapore dollar, and Indian rupee saw slight declines. The Indian rupee, in particular, hovered near the 91-per-dollar level amid growing concerns about India’s economic outlook.
Overall, Asian currency markets remained cautious, balancing regional economic signals against rising global political risks.
