Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
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 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
This week is relatively risk heavy compared to last week. Focus is on FOMC rate decision.
What to watch for over the coming days:
- Central banks’ rate decisions on Wednesday:
Three major central banks, U.S. Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, and Reserve Bank of New Zealand; all are set to announce monetary policy decision on Wednesday. The first two would attract most of the limelight and investors would like to see; how the Bank of Japan (BoJ) responds to relentless deflation and the strength of the yen; the focus for the Fed would be on its actions, whether its raises rates or not. While the U.S. economic data has been weaker, inflation has ticked up. As of now, the market is not pricing a hike and we expect a much divided Fed, whatever may be the outcome be.
- UN Assembly:
For those who are keeping a close watch on the geopolitics, this week is vital as the current world order unravels and the UN assembly is scheduled. The world leaders would gather on September 20th in New York City for the UN General debate.
In addition to the above, unscheduled Brexit commentaries would keep weighing on the market.
