Weekly News Recap 10 – 14 February 2025

News for 10 February 2025

Gold Unaffected by Non-Farm Payrolls

At the end of last week, gold prices rose and closed at $2,860/oz. This was due to mixed U.S. labor market data, which had both positive and negative implications for gold. As a result, gold prices remained strong in an upward trend. The outlook suggests that the trend for gold prices will continue to rise.

Boeing to Lay Off 400 Employees

Boeing announced on February 10th that the company will reduce approximately 400 positions in its Space Launch System (SLS) program, which is a rocket designed for NASA’s Artemis mission to send humans back to the moon.

This decision comes as a result of restructuring within the Artemis program and considerations of related costs, leading to workforce reductions in areas associated with SLS to ensure greater efficiency in the project’s execution.

Trump to Impose 25% Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports from All Countries, Waiting for Implementation Date

President Donald Trump revealed to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, February 9, that he would announce a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries on Monday, February 10. However, he did not specify the exact date when the measure would take effect, which could impact the metal industry and international trade.

Japan and the U.S. Agree to Enter a “New Golden Era” of Strengthened Cooperation

On Friday, February 7, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump reached an agreement to push the bilateral relationship between the two countries into a “new golden era.” During their first meeting, both leaders pledged to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including defense, economy, technology, and other areas, aiming to enhance regional stability and security.

Survey Shows More Than Half of Americans Satisfied with Trump’s First Month in Office

A CBS News/YouGov poll revealed that 53% of Americans were satisfied with President Donald Trump’s performance during his first month in office. The survey, conducted from January 29 to 31, gathered opinions from 2,175 individuals with a margin of error of approximately 2.5%. This reflects strong initial support for Trump’s presidency.

Taiwan Plans to Increase LNG Imports from the U.S. to Ease Trade Deficit Pressure

Taiwan is planning to boost its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, according to sources from Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. The move aims to address the trade surplus issue with the U.S. and reduce the risk of higher import tariffs. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain strong trade relations between the two countries.

Japan Posts Record-High Current Account Surplus of 29.26 Trillion Yen in 2024

Japan’s Ministry of Finance reported on February 10 that the country achieved a current account surplus of 29.26 trillion yen (approximately $193 billion) in 2024, the highest on record. Key factors contributing to this figure include record-high returns on foreign investments, as well as the depreciation of the yen and a reduction in the trade deficit, which further strengthened Japan’s current account balance.

News for 12 February 2025

World Gold Council Reports Record-High Global Gold Demand of 4,974 Tons in 2024

The World Gold Council (WGC) reported in its fourth-quarter gold demand trends for 2024 that global gold demand, including over-the-counter (OTC) trading, reached a record high of 4,974 tons. This reflects strong purchasing activity across investment sectors, central banks, and industrial use, signaling robust demand for gold throughout the year.

Japan Requests U.S. Exemption from 25% Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

Yoji Muta, Japan’s Trade Minister, revealed today (February 12) that the Japanese government has formally requested the United States to exempt Japan from the 25% steel and aluminum import tariffs. This request comes in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement of implementing such tariffs on all countries without exceptions.

Apple Partners with Alibaba to Develop AI Feature for iPhone Users in China

According to a report from The Information, citing sources, Apple is collaborating with Alibaba to develop and launch an artificial intelligence (AI) feature for iPhone users in China. This partnership is expected to enhance the user experience in one of Apple’s largest markets.

Following the news, Apple’s stock rose by 2.2% during the trading session on Tuesday, February 11, on the New York Stock Exchange, and showed a slight increase in after-hours trading on Wednesday, February 12. Similarly, Alibaba’s stock also saw positive movement in early trading today.

News for 13 February 2025

Gold Slightly Weakens After Rebounding Above $2,900/oz

On February 12, gold prices increased, closing at $2,903/oz after the U.S. released a higher-than-expected Consumer Price Index (CPI). This sparked concerns among investors that the Federal Reserve might not lower interest rates in the near future.

On February 13, at 20:30, the U.S. will release its Producer Price Index (PPI), with expectations of a 0.3% increase.

WTI Oil Falls 2.66% After President Trump Begins Diplomatic Efforts to End Ukraine War

March WTI crude oil contracts dropped by $1.95, or 2.66%, closing at $71.37 per barrel. This decline followed reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had begun using diplomatic channels to seek an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, as he had previously pledged. This positive development may ease concerns about oil supply disruptions due to political and economic tensions between nations.

Japan’s Producer Price Inflation Soars to 4.2% in January 2025, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations

A report released on February 13 revealed that Japan’s annual producer price inflation for January 2025 surged to 4.2%, marking the fifth consecutive month of acceleration. This continued rise in prices underscores persistent inflationary pressures. The sharp increase in inflation has further bolstered market expectations that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may soon raise interest rates.

OPEC Maintains Global Oil Demand Growth Forecast for 2025-2026

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has kept its growth forecast for global oil demand in 2025 and 2026 unchanged, projecting strong growth in demand. According to OPEC’s monthly oil market report, global oil demand is expected to increase by 1.45 million barrels per day in 2025, followed by an additional 1.43 million barrels per day in 2026. This forecast remains consistent with the previous month’s predictions.

Chevron to Reduce Global Workforce by 15-20% by 2026

Chevron, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., has announced plans to cut its global workforce by 15-20% by the end of 2026. The move is aimed at reducing costs, streamlining business operations, and completing significant acquisitions.

Jerome Powell States Fed Must Continue Efforts to Control Inflation

Jerome Powell, Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve, stated during his monetary policy and economic outlook testimony to the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, February 12, that recent inflation data in the U.S. shows progress in reducing inflation. However, the Fed still needs to do more to achieve its inflation target of 2%.

Germany’s Inflation Rate Drops to 2.3% in January

Germany’s Federal Statistical Office released final figures on February 13, showing that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or inflation rate for January was 2.3% year-on-year, down from 2.6% in December. This indicates a slowdown in the inflation rate in the country.

Google to Use AI for Age Verification to Enhance Safety

On February 12, Google announced that it would begin using artificial intelligence (AI) to verify the age of users to ensure that they meet the appropriate age requirements for accessing and using its services. The use of AI aims to improve safety and protect users from content or services that may not be suitable for their age.

News for 14 February 2025

Gold ปรับตัวขึ้นต่อเนื่อง

On February 13, gold prices rose to close at $2,928/oz. The increase was driven by investors purchasing gold as a safe-haven asset after U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariff measures, boosting the demand for gold.

Additionally, on February 14 at 20:30 (UTC), the U.S. will release retail sales data, with a forecasted decline of -0.2%.

U.S. Initial Jobless Claims Fall

The U.S. Department of Labor reported on February 13 that initial jobless claims decreased by 7,000 to 213,000 in the past week, lower than analysts’ expectations of 215,000. This reflects a strong labor market.

Alibaba and Apple Partner to Develop AI Technology for iPhones in China

On February 13, Joe Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group, announced that the company is collaborating with Apple to integrate Alibaba’s artificial intelligence (AI) technology into iPhones sold in China. This partnership aims to enhance the usability and performance of iPhones in the Chinese market.

Trump Considers Extending Delay on TikTok Ban Enforcement

On February 13, President Donald Trump stated that the 75-day delay in enforcing the TikTok ban could be extended. However, he noted that he did not believe it would be necessary to do so.

Xi Jinping to Chair Seminar Aimed at Boosting Private Sector Confidence

On February 14, Reuters reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to chair a seminar next week aimed at boosting confidence in the private sector. The meeting will include business leaders, including Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba.