Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Strengthening Semiconductor Restrictions
The Trump administration is poised to strengthen semiconductor limits on China, expanding on prior actions by the Biden administration to constrain Beijing's technological capabilities. The steps entail aligning with allies like Japan and the Netherlands to block companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV from providing maintenance services for semiconductor gear in China.
Specific Restrictions and Company Impact
Such potential restrictions include tighter controls on Nvidia chips shipped to China, with licensing for a wider range of products and volumes. Additional restrictions on Chinese semiconductor companies like SMIC and CXMT are under consideration.
Strategic Goals and Trade Frictions
These actions aim to restrict China's technology drive and protect the US interest within the semiconductor market, similar to ongoing trade friction between the countries. The US intends to bring back its own semiconductor manufacturing, potentially by colluding through enterprises like TSMC and Intel
