U.S. Inflation Cools in January as Gas Prices Fall, Core CPI Signals Sticky Price Pressures 
Oil Prices Steady but Head for Weekly Loss as Supply Glut Concerns Weigh 
Japan Coalition Urges BOJ Independence as Sales Tax Cut Plan Advances 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
Asian Markets Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Fed Governor Stephen Miran Warns Tight Monetary Policy Threatens U.S. Economic Growth 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Ukraine Secures $8.2 Billion IMF Loan as Tax Conditions Are Eased 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
U.S.–Taiwan Trade Agreement Sets 15% Tariff, Boosts Energy and Semiconductor Investment 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian stock markets moved higher on Wednesday, led by a rebound in Japanese technology shares, even as lingering concerns over artificial intelligence continued to weigh on the broader tech sector. Trading activity across the region remained relatively subdued, with major markets in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Investor sentiment improved after Wall Street posted modest overnight gains, offering positive cues to Asian equities. However, caution persisted ahead of key U.S. economic data releases. Market participants are closely watching the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting, along with the upcoming Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index report, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure. S&P 500 futures were largely flat in late trading, reflecting a wait-and-see approach.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.1%, while the TOPIX index advanced 1.4%, recovering from sharp losses earlier in the week. Technology stocks led the rebound after suffering weeks of declines amid global AI-driven volatility. Bargain hunting also supported broader Japanese equities following disappointing fourth-quarter GDP data. Meanwhile, stronger-than-expected January trade figures provided additional support, as exports surged beyond forecasts. Despite the export strength, imports unexpectedly declined, and Japan recorded a monthly trade deficit.
In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 0.4%, extending the previous session’s rise. CSL Ltd edged higher following a licensing agreement with Eli Lilly, while BHP Group retreated from record highs despite robust first-half earnings. Santos and Suncorp also declined after weaker financial results. Australian wage price index data showed steady income growth in the December quarter, reinforcing economic resilience but raising concerns about persistent inflation.
India’s Nifty 50 remained mostly unchanged in early trading. Major IT stocks such as Infosys, Wipro, and HCLTech continued to face pressure amid fears that rapid advancements in AI software and tools, including new releases from Anthropic, could disrupt traditional software services and reduce market share.
