Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
IKEA Expands U.S. Manufacturing Amid Rising Tariffs and Supply Chain Strategy Shift 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Momenta Quietly Moves Toward Hong Kong IPO Amid Rising China-U.S. Tensions 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Tesla Expands Affordable Model 3 Lineup in Europe to Boost EV Demand 
Australia Moves Forward With Teen Social Media Ban as Platforms Begin Lockouts 
Wikipedia Pushes for AI Licensing Deals as Jimmy Wales Calls for Fair Compensation 
Lockheed Martin Secures $1.14 Billion Contract Boost for F-35 Production 
Sam Altman Reportedly Explored Funding for Rocket Venture in Potential Challenge to SpaceX 
Netflix’s Bid for Warner Bros Discovery Aims to Cut Streaming Costs and Reshape the Industry 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
IKEA Launches First New Zealand Store, Marking Expansion Into Its 64th Global Market 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
The week ahead promises market volatility as the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank (ECB), and Bank of Canada hold their first meetings of 2025. Investor attention is on the Fed's anticipated pause in rate cuts after a 100 bps reduction last year. Analysts await clues on future policy amid easing inflation and robust job data. Earnings season adds to the spotlight, with Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft leading the U.S. reports, alongside Thursday’s Q4 GDP data.
The ECB is expected to trim rates by 25 bps, grappling with eurozone stagnation and potential U.S. tariffs under President Trump’s aggressive trade policies. Markets seek direction from ECB President Christine Lagarde on whether further rate reductions will follow. A strengthening euro and global uncertainties remain critical concerns.
Trump’s tariff strategies loom large as February approaches, with Canada, China, and Mexico in focus. A 10% levy on Beijing pales compared to the 25% aimed at neighbors, signaling possible strategic negotiations with China, even as TikTok gains attention. Beijing is fortifying markets, channeling billions from state-owned insurers to offset tariff shocks.
Markets have seen reduced volatility despite Trump’s inauguration. However, further tariff-related comments could trigger fluctuations. Global investors remain cautious as April deadlines approach for more detailed tariff policies.
European earnings offer mixed prospects amid geopolitical tensions. Key players like LVMH, ASML, and Deutsche Bank report this week, with growth in utilities and financials countering weaker energy results. The STOXX 600 gains from U.S. strength and a weaker euro, with investors showing renewed interest in European stocks.
As markets brace for central bank decisions, trade uncertainties, and corporate earnings, the stage is set for a turbulent yet pivotal week in global finance.
