South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Wall Street Ends Mixed as Micron Surges, Apple Drops After Price Hikes 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Oil Prices Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
China Factory PMI Seen Returning to Growth in June as AI Export Demand Supports Economy 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
China Sets 1.25% Overnight Reverse Repo Rate Below Market Expectations 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Asian currencies slipped on Thursday as the U.S. dollar strengthened, fueled by market uncertainty over President Donald Trump’s tariff plans and anticipation of key U.S. inflation data. The U.S. Dollar Index climbed 0.2% in Asian trading, extending gains from its two-month low earlier this week, while dollar index futures rose 0.3%.
Currency markets reacted negatively to Trump’s reaffirmation of a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. While the initial deadline was March 4, he hinted at a possible delay until April 2, adding to investor uncertainty. This lack of clarity triggered risk aversion, leading to capital outflows from emerging markets and weakening Asian currencies.
The South Korean won (USD/KRW) and Indonesian rupiah (USD/IDR) both fell 0.6%, leading regional losses. The Indian rupee (USD/INR) slipped 0.3%, while the Australian dollar (AUD/USD) dropped 0.2%. The offshore Chinese yuan (USD/CNH) climbed 0.3%, while the onshore yuan (USD/CNY) edged up 0.1%. The Japanese yen (USD/JPY) and Singapore dollar (USD/SGD) rose 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.
Investors are also closely watching Friday’s U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge. Recent weaker-than-expected U.S. services PMI and consumer sentiment reports have fueled speculation of potential rate cuts, though immediate policy shifts remain unlikely.
Meanwhile, China’s upcoming “Two Sessions” in early March will be a key event for global markets. Policymakers are expected to maintain last year’s growth target while focusing on boosting domestic demand. Analysts anticipate policy signals that could impact regional markets, as China navigates geopolitical and economic challenges.
