Global Currencies Stabilize as U.S. Tariff Uncertainty Persists 
South Korea to End Short-Selling Ban as Financial Market Uncertainty Persists 
Gold Prices Drop Amid Inflation Fears and U.S.-Iran Escalation 
Australia's Inflation Eases in February but Core Pressures Persist 
Apple Downgraded by Jefferies Amid Weak iPhone Sales and AI Concerns 
Bitcoin Hits $100K Milestone Amid Optimism Over Trump Policies 
Asian Markets React to Tariff Reports and Fed Policy Shifts 
US Inflation Data Sparks Speculation on Fed Rate Policy 
Markets Steady as Fed Signals Caution on Rate Cuts 
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S. Sanctions on Russian Crude Exports 
Key Date for Tariff Policy Changes 
[Editorial Cartoon] “Tariff Chicken Game” – U.S. and China Speed Toward Economic Catastrophe 
UK Consumer Confidence Weakens Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Living Costs 
Do investment tax breaks work? A new study finds the evidence is ‘mixed at best’ 
U.S. Condemns China's Dominance in Global Shipbuilding and Maritime Sectors 
Lithium Market Poised for Recovery Amid Supply Cuts and Rising Demand 
Investors value green labels — but not always for the right reasons 
Asian markets declined sharply Monday, led by Australian and Hong Kong shares, as robust U.S. payroll data dampened hopes for imminent Federal Reserve rate cuts. Trading volumes in the region were lighter due to Japan’s market holiday.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped significantly, while China’s CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite posted modest losses. Despite better-than-expected December trade data from China, markets saw no boost. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.4%, although Insignia Financial Ltd surged nearly 3% following an improved buyout offer from Bain Capital.
Friday’s U.S. jobs report revealed surprising strength, with accelerated job growth and a lower unemployment rate, suggesting the Federal Reserve may maintain current interest rates. The Fed, which cut rates by 100 basis points in 2024, now projects fewer reductions in 2025, given persistent inflation and economic resilience.
ING analysts noted, “Strong U.S. jobs data bolsters the likelihood of an extended pause from the Fed, especially in an inflationary environment.” Goldman Sachs has revised its outlook, expecting only two rate cuts this year instead of three.
Elsewhere in Asia, the Philippines’ PSEi Composite fell over 1%, Singapore’s Straits Times Index slid 0.3%, and South Korea’s KOSPI declined 1% amid domestic political tensions.
Markets are bracing for key U.S. data releases this week, including inflation, retail sales, and industrial production figures. China will also announce critical economic indicators, including GDP growth, industrial production, and retail sales, providing insights into its economic health.
With a busy week ahead, global investors are closely monitoring data to gauge economic momentum and future monetary policy directions.
