South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Iran Attack in Strait of Hormuz Pushes Oil Prices Higher 
China Expands Export Controls, Adds 20 Japanese Companies to Restricted List 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Japan Targets 1%+ Real Economic Growth With ¥370 Trillion Investment Plan 
Asian Stocks Slip as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Lift Oil, Dollar Strength Persists 
Gold Price Falls as Fed Rate Hike Fears and U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Bullion 
Oil Prices Rise as US-Iran Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Oil Shipments 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
US Stock Futures Rise as US-Iran Ceasefire Hopes Boost Market Sentiment 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
Gold Drops Below $4,000 as Strong US Dollar and Fed Rate Hike Expectations Pressure Bullion 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
World Bank Approves $1.1 Billion Emergency Funding for Bangladesh Amid Food and Energy Price Pressures 
China’s manufacturing sector expanded more than expected in February, driven by strong domestic demand and government stimulus. Official data showed the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 50.2, exceeding forecasts of 50.0 and rebounding from January’s 49.1. A reading above 50 signals growth.
The increase was fueled by Lunar New Year demand, helping businesses withstand initial U.S. tariffs. However, concerns persist over escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China as President Donald Trump considers additional duties, which could weigh on future exports.
Non-manufacturing activity also strengthened, with the services PMI climbing to 50.4, surpassing expectations of 50.3 and improving from 50.2 in January. This lifted the composite PMI to 51.1 from 50.1, signaling broad economic expansion.
China’s economic activity has rebounded since late 2024 following a series of stimulus measures aimed at bolstering growth. While these policies have supported recovery, investors remain cautious about the long-term impact of U.S. trade restrictions. Many are looking for further government intervention to sustain momentum amid rising geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
As the global economy navigates shifting trade policies and inflationary pressures, China’s resilience will be closely monitored. Future growth depends on Beijing’s ability to counteract external risks and maintain internal stability.
