U.S. Stocks Hit Unprecedented Peaks Amid Growing Speculation of Federal Rate Cuts 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Global Currencies Stabilize as U.S. Tariff Uncertainty Persists 
Tesla, Apple, Nvidia Boost Nasdaq to Record High as Jobs Report Ignites Fed Rate Cut Hopes 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump to Impose Oil and Gas Tariffs by Feb. 18, Easing Canadian Crude Levy 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Asian Stocks Fall as U.S. Rate Cut Expectations Fade 
Deutsche Bank Warns of Persistent Inflation Risks in 2025 
Jefferies Upgrades Safran Group Stock with Strong Growth Outlook 
Key Date for Tariff Policy Changes 
Apple Surpasses Microsoft to Reclaim Title as World's Most Valuable Company 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S. Sanctions on Russian Crude Exports 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
The S&P 500 closed marginally higher on Wednesday, supported by tech stocks rebounding from earlier losses as Treasury yields steadied. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 94 points (0.2%), the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, and the NASDAQ slipped 0.1%.
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December meeting revealed a slower pace of rate cuts ahead due to concerns over stalling disinflation. Policymakers emphasized caution, noting slower progress toward the 2% inflation target. Meanwhile, Fed Governor Christopher Waller supported further cuts, expecting continued inflation declines, stabilizing Treasury yields after a recent surge.
Tech stocks ended above session lows, though major players like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta closed in the red. NVIDIA hovered near flat, while Palantir dropped further, extending a 16% decline since its peak last month.
Employment data highlighted labor market strength. Initial unemployment claims dropped to 201,000, the lowest since February, while private payrolls rose by 122,000 in December, signaling resilience despite sticky inflation. These indicators fueled speculation that the Fed may delay additional rate cuts in 2025.
In the corporate sector, Exxon Mobil slid 1.7% after warning of a $1.75 billion hit to Q4 earnings due to weaker refining profits. Shell also dropped 1.9%, citing a $1.3 billion charge related to permits and weaker integrated gas earnings.
Investors await Fed commentary and the upcoming US employment report for further clarity on economic and policy trends.
