Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
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 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
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 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
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 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
U.S. stocks closed higher Tuesday as easing geopolitical tensions and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell boosted investor sentiment. The Dow Jones rose 507 points (+1.2%), the S&P 500 gained 1.1%, and the Nasdaq climbed 1.4%.
Markets reacted positively to a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran. Former President Donald Trump declared on social media that the ceasefire was “in effect,” sparking optimism that the recent 12-day conflict had ended. However, uncertainty remains after Trump criticized both countries for post-deal aggression. Israel launched new strikes in Tehran, citing Iranian missile fire. Iran denied involvement, claiming Israel violated the ceasefire beyond its official start time.
Oil prices fell sharply as the ceasefire eased concerns of supply disruption and inflationary pressure, removing a key risk premium from crude markets.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s testimony to Congress signaled that rate cuts remain possible. “Many paths are possible,” Powell said, noting that the Fed is waiting to assess the economic impact of rising tariffs. He warned tariffs may lift inflation temporarily, though effects could be short-lived.
Two Trump-appointed Fed governors have recently supported July rate cuts. Trump also pressed for aggressive easing, criticizing Powell publicly.
In corporate news, Tesla (TSLA) extended gains after launching its Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, using 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles. Chewy (CHWY) shares declined following its $1 billion stock offering and a $100 million buyback announcement. KB Home (KBH) dropped after cutting its full-year revenue guidance to $6.3–$6.5 billion, down from $6.6–$7 billion.
