On Thursday morning (29 January, 9:46 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), major indices in the Asia Pacific exhibited a varied performance as investors digested global developments and tech earnings.
The U.S. Federal Reserve opted to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged, maintaining the target range at 3.5% to 3.75%. The decision comes as central bank officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, emphasized the ongoing necessity of Fed independence while acknowledging improving economic conditions.
Meanwhile, gold prices climbed to unprecedented levels above $5,500 per ounce on Wednesday evening, spurred by reports of potential U.S. military actions against Iran. Investors increased allocation to safe-haven assets amid mounting geopolitical risks and continued weakness in the dollar.
Reports circulated that President Donald Trump is weighing further military strikes on Iran. Heightened uncertainty over U.S. policy and concerns about escalating conflict in the Middle East drove robust demand for physical assets and traditional havens.
Japan’s NIKKEI slid by 0.16% to 53,274.71. South Korea’s KOSPI dipped by 0.04% to 5,168.67, and Australia’s ASX 200 fell by 0.65% to 8,875.40.
As for stocks in China, Shenzhen’s SZI rose by 0.14% to 14,362.24. Hong Kong’s HSI surged by 0.14% to 27,864.91, while Shanghai’s SSEC declined by 0.12% to 4,146.21.
The U.S. stock markets traded relatively flat on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) climbing 0.02% to 49,015.60. NASDAQ increased by 0.17% to 23,857.44, while S&P 500 shrank by 0.01% to 6,978.03. VIX remained unchanged at 16.35.
As for commodities, oil prices settled higher on Wednesday amid renewed apprehension about Iran, contributing to the rally, while additional support came from a weaker U.S. dollar. Brent crude futures finished the day up 83 cents, or 1.23%, at $68.40 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude added 82 cents, or 1.31%, to close at $63.21.
This morning, Brent crude futures expanded 58 cents, or 0.85%, to $68.98 per barrel, and the WTI gained 62 cents, or 0.98%, to $63.83 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures jumped by 4.33% to $5,533.00 per Troy ounce.
