U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
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 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
The U.S. dollar hovered close to a two-month peak on Thursday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell maintained a cautious stance on interest rate cuts, boosting confidence in the greenback. The dollar index remained steady at 99.77, just below Wednesday’s 99.987 high, and is poised for its first monthly gain of the year, advancing more than 3%.
Market sentiment improved as concerns over U.S. tariffs eased amid new trade agreements. Earlier fears of the dollar’s decline, triggered by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, have subsided, fueling the currency’s rebound. Analysts point to a hawkish Fed and resilient U.S. economic data as key drivers of the dollar’s momentum.
The euro rose 0.25% to $1.1433 but remains on track for a 3% monthly loss, while the British pound traded at $1.3248, heading for a 3.5% monthly decline. Traders have dialed back expectations for Fed rate cuts this year, now pricing in around 35 basis points of easing by December.
Global trade developments also influenced currency markets. South Korea’s won strengthened 0.3% to 1,389.20 per dollar after reaching a tariff agreement with Washington. Meanwhile, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on most Brazilian goods and continues negotiations with India.
In Asia, the yen hovered near a four-month low at 149.29 ahead of the Bank of Japan’s policy decision. Investors are watching closely for any hint of further tightening as the BOJ balances inflationary pressures and growth risks.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar edged up to $0.6443 and the New Zealand dollar rose to $0.5906, though both remain set for monthly losses of around 2–3%.
The dollar’s rally underscores shifting global currency dynamics as markets brace for evolving trade and central bank policies.
