China NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.4 below forecasts (50.3) in January

China NBS Manufacturing PMI came in at 49.3, below expectations (50) in January

EUR/USD drops during the North American session, down by 0.75% amid a session characterized by overall US Dollar strength, sponsored by Trump’s mild-hawkish pick to lead the Federal Reserve and an inflation report that warrants steady rates by the Federal Reserve.

Japan CFTC JPY NC Net Positions rose from previous ¥-44.8K to ¥-33.9K

United States CFTC Gold NC Net Positions dipped from previous $244.8K to $205.4K

United States CFTC Oil NC Net Positions increased to 97K from previous 78.8K

United Kingdom CFTC GBP NC Net Positions climbed from previous £-22K to £-16.2K

United States CFTC S&P 500 NC Net Positions dipped from previous $-81.8K to $-99.8K

Australia CFTC AUD NC Net Positions: $7.1K vs $-14K

Eurozone CFTC EUR NC Net Positions climbed from previous €111.7K to €132.1K

The United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) had a busy week. On Monday, the Fed asked local New York banks about their positions in USD/JPY, fueling speculation that the US may be preparing to work with Japan on the Japanes Yen's (JPY) weakness.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that China may inject RMB 200 billion into large insurers to bolster their capital buffers, alongside an additional RMB 300 billion into major banks. This move aims to support the banking sector amid downward pressure on net interest margins.

• Major indexes edged lower as investors digested Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Fed Chair Powell in May.

DBS Bank's Group Research discusses the upcoming Reserve Bank of India (RBI) monetary policy committee meeting scheduled for February 6, 2026.

Korea's industrial production growth rebounded in December, indicating robust export growth. President Lee has signaled a potential supplementary budget to support various sectors, which could pose upside risks to Korea's growth.

Silver (XAG/USD) sinks sharply by more than 30% on Friday as the precious metals segment is being punished by the financial markets, with the grey metal falling more than $38 at the time of writing. XAG/USD trades at $76.91, after reaching a daily high of $118.46.

Gold price (XAU/USD) extends its losses on Friday, plunges nearly 10% to sink below $4,900 after US President Donald Trump revealed his pick for Fed Chair, while a hot inflation reading in the US justified the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) decision on Wednesday to keep rates steady.

USD/JPY rebounds around 154.50 on Friday at the time of writing, up 0.90% on the day, supported by a renewed recovery in the US Dollar (USD) after several weeks of weakness. The move comes as markets reassess the monetary policy outlook in the United States (US) and Japan.

DBS Bank's Group Research expects Taiwan's central bank to maintain its policy rate at 2.00% throughout 2026. The report highlights that inflation is projected to remain below the central bank's comfort zone, with subdued price pressures reflecting stable economic conditions.

The Japanese Yen remains under pressure, with concerns raised by local business leaders about its excessive weakness impacting profitability and wage growth.

United States Baker Hughes US Oil Rig Count below forecasts (412): Actual (411)

The Swiss Franc (CHF) weakens against the US Dollar (USD) on Friday, as traders reassess the Federal Reserve (Fed) outlook following fresh signals from US President Donald Trump on the future leadership of the central bank.

The Indonesian Rupiah faces challenges amid a deteriorating fiscal picture and rising state-level borrowing. While Bank Indonesia's commitment to FX stability may help slow depreciation, a sustained recovery requires stronger policy clarity.

NZD/USD trades around 0.6035 on Friday at the time of writing, down 0.70% on the day, snapping a winning streak that began in mid-January. The pair pulls back after touching a six-month high at 0.6094 in the previous day, amid profit-taking and a firm rebound in the US Dollar (USD).

ABN AMRO's report outlines expectations for January PMIs in China, with a consensus forecast indicating broad stabilization. Both manufacturing PMIs are expected to remain at or just above the neutral 50 mark, while the services PMI is anticipated to decrease but remain in expansion territory.

Gold (XAU/USD) comes under intense selling pressure on Friday, giving back all the gains registered earlier this week as extreme volatility triggers broad-based liquidation of leveraged positions. Meanwhile, traders also lock in profits at elevated price levels.

Federal Reserve (Fed) Governor Stephen Miran said that he is really excited to see the good work he believes Kevin Warsh will do as Fed Chair after being nominated by President Donald Trump. In an interview with CNBC on Friday, he added he believes Fed officials will receive him well.

DBS Bank's Group Research projects that the Bank of Korea (BOK) will keep its base rate unchanged at 2.50% throughout 2026. The report indicates that January inflation is expected to ease, reflecting subdued demand-side pressures and stable supply-side conditions.

Federal Reserve (Fed) Bank of Atlanta President Raphael Bostic said that inflation is too high and needs to come down, and that the Fed should be more patient for now, in an interview for CNBC.

The Indian Rupee remains under pressure as USD/INR approaches the 92.00 level. The upcoming FY2026/27 Budget announcement is crucial for assessing fiscal consolidation amidst rising capital outflows.