Asian Stocks Hit Record High as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Tempers Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Japan Coalition Urges BOJ Independence as Sales Tax Cut Plan Advances 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key CPI Inflation Data 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
Gold Prices Steady Above $5,000 as Markets Eye Fed Minutes and PCE Inflation Data 
Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Oil Prices Steady as Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks and OPEC+ Output Plans Shape Market Outlook 
Asian financial markets moved cautiously on Tuesday in thin Lunar New Year trading, while oil prices climbed ahead of renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Several major regional exchanges, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korea, remained closed for the holiday. U.S. markets were also shut on Monday for Presidents’ Day, contributing to lighter global trading volumes.
Japan’s Nikkei index slipped 0.5%, while the broader Topix fell 0.2% to 3,779.29. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained nearly 0.5%. U.S. stock futures were mixed in early Asian trading, with Nasdaq futures edging down 0.1% and S&P 500 futures up 0.2%.
Bond markets reflected a cautious tone. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dipped 1 basis point to 4.044%, its lowest level since early December. Japan’s five-year government bond yield declined 2 basis points to 1.65%, the lowest since February 2. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar index held steady at 97.07 after a modest overnight gain. The Japanese yen strengthened 0.15% to 153.28 per dollar.
Japan’s weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter GDP weighed on sentiment. The economy expanded at an annualized pace of just 0.2%, well below forecasts of 1.6%, largely due to reduced government spending. Analysts suggest the disappointing data may increase pressure on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to pursue additional fiscal stimulus, including potential sales tax reductions. Market pricing indicates limited expectations for a Bank of Japan rate hike in March, with most economists projecting policy tightening later in July.
Oil markets gained momentum as investors monitored geopolitical risks. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 1.29%, while Brent crude increased 1.33%. Tensions remain elevated after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards conducted drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly 20% of global oil shipments. Traders are closely watching developments in U.S.-Iran talks and Ukraine negotiations, as any easing of tensions could reduce the geopolitical risk premium in oil prices.
Precious metals retreated, with gold falling 0.85% to $4,949.5 per ounce and silver down 2%, pressured by a firmer U.S. dollar.
