Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian stock markets rebounded modestly on Tuesday following sharp losses in the previous session, as a rally in U.S. tech stocks and bargain-hunting lifted investor sentiment. Most major regional indices climbed, even as global trade tensions continued to weigh on markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 led gains, surging nearly 7%, with the broader TOPIX also rising over 7%. The rally was driven by a weaker yen and strong performance in tech stocks. Shares of chipmakers Tokyo Electron and Advantest jumped over 10% and 12%, respectively, while SoftBank Group surged more than 12%.
The yen’s decline eased pressure on Japanese exporters, further boosting market confidence. The bounce in U.S. tech stocks overnight also encouraged dip-buyers across Asia after three days of declines.
However, investor caution remained as U.S.-China trade tensions escalated. President Donald Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing rolls back its recent 34% tariff hike by April 8. China responded with a vow to retaliate, potentially worsening the ongoing trade conflict.
Despite the tension, Chinese stocks rose after several state-owned firms pledged to increase equity investments to stabilize markets. The CSI 300 gained 0.5%, and the Shanghai Composite added 0.7%. The central bank also supported Central Huijin Investment’s move to boost index fund holdings and pledged re-lending support if needed.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index bounced back with a 3% rise, recovering from a steep 15% drop in the prior session. Australia’s ASX 200 climbed nearly 2%, and South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1%. India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed to a higher open. In contrast, Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell over 2%, continuing its downward trend.
Overall, Asian markets showed resilience, but volatility remains amid deepening U.S.-China trade tensions.
