Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
US stock index futures inched higher in holiday-thinned trade on Monday, with investors wary of potential new trade tariffs and prolonged high interest rates. Limited trading volumes due to a US market holiday offered few cues from Wall Street. Investors focused on President Donald Trump’s renewed plans for reciprocal tariffs and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates after persistent inflation data last week.
S&P 500 Futures rose 0.2% to 6,141.0 points, Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 0.1% to 22,220.0 points, and Dow Jones Futures climbed 0.2% to 44,712.0 points.
Trump reiterated his intention to impose tariffs matching duties on US exports, particularly targeting countries with a value-added tax system, affecting importers in Europe and Asia. Having recently imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum and 10% on Chinese goods, Trump signaled that new tariffs might be implemented by April, providing short-term relief to markets.
The S&P 500 closed flat at 6,114.63 points on Friday, while the NASDAQ Composite rose 0.4% to 20,026.77 points, and the Dow Jones fell 0.4% to 44,546.08 points.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller downplayed the inflationary impact of Trump's tariffs but emphasized the need to maintain current interest rates due to persistent inflation and a robust labor market. After 1% in rate cuts through 2024, the Fed kept rates steady in January and is expected to maintain them in the near term.
Despite tariff concerns, investors remain cautious, with markets closely monitoring economic indicators and policy signals. As global trade tensions escalate, market volatility may persist, underscoring the importance of staying informed and prepared.
