Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
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China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
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 
U.S. stock futures traded narrowly higher on Wednesday evening after a volatile Wall Street session, as investors assessed the Federal Reserve’s rate decision and a fresh wave of major tech earnings.
S&P 500 futures rose 0.1% to 6,932.0 points, while Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.1% to 26,300.00 points. Dow Jones futures were flat at 47,838.0 points. Earlier, the Dow slipped 0.2%, the S&P 500 ended nearly unchanged, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.6%.
The Fed cut its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.75%–4.00%, marking its second consecutive reduction. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized uncertainty about future moves, stating another rate cut in December was “far from” guaranteed. He noted that policymakers were “navigating in the fog” amid mixed economic signals and uneven inflation progress.
Markets, which had largely priced in another cut by year-end, adjusted expectations following Powell’s comments. Analysts at ING said they still anticipate a December cut, projecting at least two more reductions next year to bolster growth and weaken the dollar.
Investors also monitored global developments ahead of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea. The leaders are expected to discuss trade, technology, and rare earth supply chains, with hopes for a temporary pause in tariffs and easing of export restrictions.
Earnings from tech giants also shaped market sentiment. Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) surged over 7% in after-hours trading after exceeding revenue forecasts, while Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) slipped 3% amid cost concerns. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) fell 8% after warning of higher 2026 capital expenses and a $16 billion one-time charge. Investors now await results from Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).
