Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Dollar Stabilizes, Offering Relief to Global Currencies
The U.S. dollar paused its rally on Wednesday, providing relief to major currencies like the yen, following last week's sharp rise to a seven-week high. Investors are reassessing the U.S. interest rate path amid a relatively light economic data calendar this week.
Kiwi Hits Low After RBNZ Holds Rates
The New Zealand dollar slumped to $0.6096, its lowest since August 19, after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) opted to keep interest rates unchanged at 5.50%. The Kiwi was last down 0.55%, trading at $0.61035. The RBNZ had previously started an easing cycle in August to reduce rates from 15-year highs.
U.S. Dollar Outlook: Inflation and Earnings Key
Market attention now shifts to Thursday's Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which is expected to drive the next phase of the dollar's movement. Following stronger-than-expected jobs data last week, markets have scaled back expectations for significant interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in November. However, a quarter-point reduction remains a possibility.
Global Currencies Respond
The dollar index remained stable at 102.490, near its recent high of 102.69. The euro held firm at $1.0977, while the British pound traded at $1.3101. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar struggled, down 0.08% at $0.67415.
China's Economic Outlook
In China, despite economic concerns, Beijing expressed confidence in meeting its annual growth targets. However, investors remain cautious as no additional fiscal support measures were announced, leaving the offshore yuan stable at 7.0695 per dollar.
