Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
China Reduces Loan Prime Rate to Support Economic Growth
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) announced a cut to its loan prime rate (LPR) on Monday, implementing its latest strategy to boost economic growth. The one-year LPR was lowered to 3.10% from 3.35%, slightly more than market expectations of a reduction to 3.15%. Additionally, the five-year LPR, crucial for determining mortgage rates, was cut to 3.60% from 3.85%, exceeding forecasts of a drop to 3.65%.
Aiming to Meet Economic Growth Targets
This rate cut comes as part of Beijing’s broader efforts to shore up the economy amid slowing growth. The Chinese government had previously flagged multiple stimulus measures, including interest rate reductions, to support its 5% annual growth target. These efforts focus on boosting infrastructure projects, countering the property market decline, and restoring investor confidence.
Persistent Economic Challenges
Despite the cuts, China continues to face challenges. The PBOC has consistently lowered the LPR over the past two years, but deflationary pressures remain. Recent economic data for September reflected minimal progress in tackling deflation, signaling that more aggressive interventions may be needed.
Investor Concerns
While the latest stimulus measures show promise, many investors are cautious due to the lack of clarity on their implementation and scale. The effectiveness of these actions in reversing economic downturns remains to be seen.
