Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Most Asian stock markets advanced on Wednesday, tracking overnight gains from Wall Street as technology shares provided solid support. However, Japan’s markets lagged as rising expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) interest rate hike weighed on investor sentiment.
Regional volumes were muted as China and Hong Kong remained closed for National Day holidays, with mainland Chinese markets set to reopen mid-next week. Attention also centered on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) policy meeting, where the central bank is expected to leave rates unchanged while easing liquidity conditions.
Asian equities initially benefited from Wall Street’s stronger close, though momentum faded amid concerns of a looming U.S. government shutdown. Bipartisan efforts to secure additional funding faltered, and S&P 500 futures slipped 0.4% in Asian trading ahead of a potential shutdown at 0400 GMT.
Technology shares led regional gains, echoing the performance of U.S. tech stocks. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.8%, lifted by optimism in the artificial intelligence sector and bargain-hunting after September’s steep losses. Still, gains were capped as Federal Reserve officials, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, signaled caution over aggressive rate cuts, reflecting the resilience of the U.S. economy.
In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX dropped 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively. A BOJ “tankan” survey showed improved sentiment among large manufacturers, bolstering expectations for an interest rate hike later in October. The stronger yen, driven by rate hike bets, further pressured Japanese exporters.
Elsewhere, Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.6% on tech strength, while Australia’s ASX 200 slipped 0.3% after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s hawkish stance. Indian equities remained muted, with Nifty 50 futures pointing to a flat open as investors awaited the RBI decision. Analysts expect a dovish outlook, with the possibility of reduced cash reserve requirements to support growth amid U.S. trade tariff pressures.
