MOEX Russia Index Closes Flat as Gold Surges and Ruble Strengthens 
Yen Pulls Back After Rally as Fed Rate Cut Bets Support Dollar Stability 
Japan, U.S. Speed Up Talks on $550 Billion Investment Deal Amid Tariff Pressure 
Oil Prices Steady as Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks and OPEC+ Output Plans Shape Market Outlook 
Yen Surges After Takaichi Election Win as Markets Eye U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Currencies Trade in Tight Range as Dollar Steadies; Yen Slips on Weak Japan GDP 
Japan Signals Openness to Gradual BOJ Rate Hikes as Deflation Era Ends 
Gold and Silver Prices Slip After Strong U.S. Jobs Data, Fed Rate Cut Bets Fade 
New Zealand House Prices Dip in January Amid Seasonal Slowdown and Severe Weather 
UK House Prices Hold Steady in February as Rightmove Reports Post-Budget Market Stability 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Tumble Ahead of Key CPI Inflation Data 
Asian Stock Markets Trade in Narrow Range as Japan GDP Misses Forecasts, Hang Seng Gains 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets PM Takaichi as Markets Eye Possible Rate Hike 
Japan GDP Growth Slows Sharply in Q4 2025 Amid Weak Business Spending and Trade Tensions 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher Ahead of Holiday as Investors Await Key Economic Data 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Stabilizes Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
U.S. stock index futures edged lower Wednesday night as investors weighed mixed signals from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting minutes, adding fresh uncertainty to the outlook for interest rates and monetary policy in 2026. Market participants are also closely watching upcoming Walmart earnings for insights into U.S. consumer spending and the broader economic outlook.
As of 20:00 ET (01:00 GMT), S&P 500 Futures dipped to 6,892.0 points. Nasdaq 100 Futures declined nearly 0.1% to 24,942.75, while Dow Jones Futures slipped 0.1% to 49,685.0. The muted movement followed a positive regular trading session, where Wall Street indices gained on the back of a rebound in technology stocks and data showing resilience in the U.S. economy. However, gains were capped as investors digested the Fed’s cautious tone.
The Federal Reserve minutes revealed that policymakers unanimously voted to hold interest rates steady at 3.50% to 3.75%. Still, officials appeared divided over the next steps. Several members warned that inflation could take longer than expected to return to the central bank’s 2% target. Some policymakers even suggested that further rate hikes may be necessary if inflation remains elevated. This stance contrasts with market expectations that inflation pressures will ease and interest rates will decline later this year. Artificial intelligence was also highlighted as a source of uncertainty, with debate over whether rapid AI expansion could fuel or temper inflation.
Attention now turns to Walmart’s fourth-quarter earnings report. Analysts expect earnings per share of $0.7269 on revenue of $190.4 billion. As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart is widely viewed as a bellwether for U.S. consumer health, particularly amid persistent inflation concerns.
Meanwhile, investors are monitoring geopolitical tensions with Iran, as reports indicate increased U.S. military activity in the Middle East. Additional economic data, including U.S. trade figures and weekly jobless claims, are also set to influence market sentiment.
