Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Australian mining stocks surged to record highs on Tuesday following a landmark U.S.-Australia agreement to boost investments in critical minerals. The two nations will each inject at least US$1 billion into mining and processing ventures over the next six months to strengthen supply chains for essential materials such as rare earths, lithium, and gallium — vital components in electric vehicles, defense systems, and clean-energy technologies.
The initiative aims to build an AU$8.5 billion pipeline of investment opportunities in Australia’s critical minerals sector, a move widely seen as a strategic effort to reduce reliance on China for key raw materials. This long-term policy commitment provides greater stability and lowers financial risk for Australian producers, helping to attract global capital into the sector.
As of 01:09 GMT, the S&P/ASX 200 Index rose nearly 1%, while the S&P/ASX 300 Metals & Mining sub-indexreached an all-time high with gains exceeding 2%. Shares of key critical mineral miners posted remarkable gains following the announcement. Northern Minerals (ASX:NTU) jumped around 12%, Latrobe Magnesium (ASX:LMG)soared 46%, and VHM Ltd (ASX:VHM) climbed 30% in early trade. Meanwhile, Arafura Rare Earths (ASX:ARU)advanced 10%.
The rally also extended to major miners, with BHP Group (ASX:BHP) rising 2.3% after reporting mixed first-quarter production results but maintaining its full-year guidance. The combination of government-backed funding, policy clarity, and stable output from top producers has fueled strong investor optimism.
Analysts believe this bilateral initiative marks a pivotal moment for Australia’s mining industry, positioning it as a global leader in critical minerals supply, essential for powering the world’s green energy transition and technological innovation.
