Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Asian Markets Steady Amid Earnings Season and Rate Cuts
Most Asian stocks traded within a narrow range on Monday, reflecting investor caution ahead of the upcoming earnings season. Chinese markets saw modest gains following a rate cut from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which exceeded expectations.
U.S. Market Influences Asian Stocks
Regional markets gained some traction from Wall Street’s positive performance, where U.S. stock indexes closed near record highs on Friday. In Asian trading, Wall Street futures were also mildly positive, indicating continued optimism.
Chinese Stocks Rise Post Rate Cut
Chinese indexes, including the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite, rose approximately 0.7% amid volatile trading after the PBOC lowered its benchmark loan prime rates. This cut is part of a broader stimulus strategy from Beijing aimed at boosting economic growth. However, despite initial enthusiasm, Chinese stocks have seen recent pullbacks due to investor disappointment over the lack of detailed plans regarding the timing and scale of stimulus measures.
Regional Reactions and Outlook
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped by 0.2%, suggesting cautious sentiment among foreign investors regarding China’s rate cut. Despite mixed economic signals from the region, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.6%, benefiting from its strong trade ties with China.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.3%, while the TOPIX index remained flat. South Korea’s KOSPI showed little change, and futures for India’s Nifty 50 index hinted at a positive opening as it attempts to breach the 25,000-point threshold.
