Asian Stocks Hit Record High as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Tempers Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Asian Markets Consolidate Gains as Japan GDP Disappoints and Fed Rate Cut Bets Rise 
ECB Expands Euro Liquidity Backstop to Strengthen Global Role of the Euro 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
U.S. Inflation Cools in January as Gas Prices Fall, Core CPI Signals Sticky Price Pressures 
Asian Markets Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
Gold Prices Steady Above $5,000 as Markets Eye Fed Minutes and PCE Inflation Data 
U.S. Stocks End Mixed as January CPI Cools, Treasury Yields Slide 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
European stock markets traded mixed on Monday as renewed uncertainty over U.S. trade tariffs dampened investor sentiment, while Novo Nordisk shares plunged following disappointing obesity drug trial results. Germany’s DAX fell 0.5% to lead regional losses, the UK’s FTSE 100 edged down 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 managed a modest 0.1% gain in early trading.
Global equities initially rallied after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated most of former President Donald Trump’s previously imposed tariffs, ruling that the emergency law used did not authorize such measures. However, Trump quickly introduced a new global tariff plan over the weekend, announcing levies of 10% to 15% that could remain in place for up to five months. The sudden policy shift reignited concerns about trade stability and weighed on overall risk appetite. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde emphasized the importance of predictable trade rules, noting that uncertainty can disrupt global investment and economic equilibrium.
Recent economic data had supported optimism across Europe. The STOXX 600 index reached record highs last week as Eurozone business activity accelerated faster than expected. Manufacturing returned to growth territory for the first time since October, and Germany’s Ifo business climate index climbed to 88.6 in February, signaling early signs of economic recovery in Europe’s largest economy.
In corporate news, Novo Nordisk stock dropped more than 10% after its experimental obesity treatment CagriSema failed to meet a primary endpoint in a head-to-head trial against Eli Lilly’s Tirzepatide. The setback intensifies competition in the rapidly expanding weight-loss drug market, where Novo’s Wegovy and Ozempic previously dominated.
Meanwhile, oil prices retreated ahead of a third round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva. Brent crude slipped to $70.96 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell to $66.15, as hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough eased supply disruption concerns.
