Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
The Botswana government refused to guarantee a renewal of a 10-year sales agreement with diamond firm De Beers within the year due to delayed negotiation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Secretary Mmetla Masire of Botswana's Ministry of Mineral, the talks ideally should end by December but there are no guarantees that will happen due to travel restrictions.
The deal is vital for the Debswana Mining Company, jointly held by De Beers and the Botswana government, in providing the country with around two-thirds of its foreign exchange and a fifth of its GDP.
De Beers sources 70 percent of its diamonds in Botswana, generating 90 percent of its sales.
A new deal would give De Beers another 10 years of clarity on the terms of its revenue stream.
Diamond mining has transformed Botswana from being primarily an agri-based economy to one of Africa’s richest countries.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi is boosting its fledgling diamond polishing and cutting industry to create jobs.
