Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Randstad's Quarterly Performance Exceeds Expectations
Randstad, the world’s largest employment agency, announced its quarterly profits on Tuesday, reporting figures slightly above analysts' expectations. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company has seen stabilization in trading conditions across various markets.
Hiring Slowdown in a Difficult Environment
The global hiring landscape has experienced a slowdown, as workers are hesitant to change jobs amid economic uncertainty. Additionally, employers are cautious in their recruitment efforts due to inflationary pressures and rising interest rates.
CEO's Insights on Company Strategy
CEO Sander van’t Noordende emphasized the company's focus on operational discipline and execution, stating, “We have continued to balance field capacity with strategic investments.” This approach aims to navigate the complexities of the current job market effectively.
Acquisition of Zorgwerk
In a strategic move, Randstad announced plans to acquire Zorgwerk, a Dutch digital healthcare marketplace, for approximately 323 million euros. This acquisition is expected to enhance Randstad's service offerings in the healthcare sector.
Financial Highlights
In the third quarter, Randstad reported earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (EBITA), excluding one-off items, of 196 million euros ($212 million). This figure slightly exceeded the consensus expectation of 192 million euros, indicating resilience in the company’s performance despite external challenges.
