China housing: Limited rescue, lingering correction – Standard Chartered.China housing: Limited rescue, lingering correction – Standard Chartered

GBP/JPY remains depressed post-UK CPI; holds above 212.00 as focus remains on BoJ.GBP/JPY remains depressed post-UK CPI; holds above 212.00 as focus remains on BoJ

ECB's Lagarde: Tariffs manageable, Trump's constant reversals more damaging.ECB President Christine Lagarde said she expects only a “minimal” inflationary impact from additional U.S. tariffs, arguing that Eurozone price pressures remain firmly under control. Speaking to RTL, Lagarde noted that inflation is currently around 1.9%, leaving little scope for tariffs to materially disrupt the ECB's inflation outlook.

JP Morgan US Dollar to Yen Forecast: USD/JPY Tipped at 148 by Mid 2026.The dollar to Yen (USD/JPY) exchange rate hit 19-month highs just below the 160.0 level during the second week of January before a retreat to just below 158.0. JP Morgan notes the possibility of renewed yen selling in the short term and has revised its USD/JPY forecasts higher, but still forecasts a decline to 148 in the second quarter of.

Pound Sterling attracts bids as UK inflation rises more than expected in December.Pound Sterling attracts bids as UK inflation rises more than expected in December

UK CPI rises to 3.4%, core holds at cycle low of 3.2%.UK inflation firmed at the end of 2025, with headline pressure coming in slightly hotter than expected. CPI rose to 3.4% yoy in December, up from 3.2% and above expectations of 3.3%, while prices increased 0.4% mom, pointing to ongoing near-term inflation momentum.

ECB's Lagarde: New tariffs could be inflationary in the near term.ECB's Lagarde: New tariffs could be inflationary in the near term

South Africa Consumer Price Index (MoM) climbed from previous -0.1% to 0.2% in December.South Africa Consumer Price Index (MoM) climbed from previous -0.1% to 0.2% in December

Indonesia central bank keeps rates unchanged amid rupiah weakness.Indonesia's central bank held its key policy rates steady on Wednesday, as expected, saying the level was supportive of economic expansion while remaining consistent with its goal to anchor the rupiah, which hit a record low a day earlier.

Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Brent Eyes $66.80 Resistance – Is a Bullish Breakout Ahead?.Oil prices dip as U.S. crude stocks rise 1.7m barrels, overshadowing supply woes. Traders eye WTI $59.75 and Brent $64.19 for next breakout.

UK CPI in Focus, But Davos and Fed Independence Take Spotlight.In the UK, focus turns to the December inflation print. While price pressures have eased recently, paving the way for potential Bank of England rate cuts, core inflation remains elevated at 3.2% y/y.

India fertiliser imports set for record $18 billion this fiscal year.India's fertiliser imports for the current fiscal year are expected to surge 76% from a year earlier to a record $18 billion, ​government and industry officials said on Wednesday as consumption jumped after heavy rains ‌prompted farmers to expand their crop areas.

Sterling holds firm after UK data shows pickup in inflation .The pound held steady on Wednesday, after data showed UK inflation picked up more than expected in December, which could lower the chances of more aggressive rate cuts from the Bank of England this year.

Crude Oil – 21.01.2026.Oil closed at target and resistance of 62.60 before dropping rapidly after President Donald Trump signalled that he might hold off on attacking Iran for now. As we see over the chart, prices still face support at 58.80, where if the market holds above it, the chance for a trading zone towards 62.60 is likely.

USD/JPY – 21.01.2026.USDJPY tested the support trend around 157.30-60 which could lead to another advance towards the 160.20 zone. Below 157.30 more of a drop will be expected with supports at 155.60 and 154.35.

UK inflation rises more than expected to 3.4%.Britain's main inflation measure sped up by more than expected to 3.4% in December from 3.2% in November, official figures showed on Wednesday.

Morning Brief: Asian markets, Indian rupee slide, Greenland tensions escalate.Asian financial markets remained under pressure on Wednesday as geopolitical tensions linked to US President Donald Trump's comments on Greenland unsettled investors, while volatility in global bond markets and currencies added to risk aversion. Safe-haven assets surged, regional equities fell, and emerging-market currencies weakened as markets digested a confluence of political and macroeconomic shocks.

Japan's Rengo says the environment for wage talks this year is not so bad.Tomoko Yoshino is the chair of Japan's largest trade union group, Rengo, and she's offering up some remarks on the situation ahead of the spring wage negotiations this year. Much like Takaichi, she is also the first female chief in the organisation's history.

Dollar set to weaken in 2026; Rupee faces its own set of challenges, Abhishek Goenka decodes.The Indian Rupee faced significant underperformance in 2025. Experts predict the Rupee will continue to weaken in 2026, even as the US Dollar is also expected to decline.

Japan's top labour union group urges government to stabilise forex.The chief of Japan's largest trade union umbrella group Rengo on Wednesday pressed the government to steer economic policy toward stabilising foreign exchange rates, saying that the weak yen is accelerating inflation through higher import costs.

AUD/JPY declines below 106.50 on safe-haven flows, Australian employment data in focus.AUD/JPY declines below 106.50 on safe-haven flows, Australian employment data in focus

EUR/JPY Price Forecast: Positive view remains intact above 185.00, with bullish RSI momentum.EUR/JPY Price Forecast: Positive view remains intact above 185.00, with bullish RSI momentum

South Korea warns US chip tariffs would push up prices for US consumers (d'uh).South Korea's president warned that US chip tariffs would mainly drive up American prices, as Asia's semiconductor dominance limits Washington's leverage.

Japanese Yen gains traction amid intervention fears, hawkish BoJ expectations.Japanese Yen gains traction amid intervention fears, hawkish BoJ expectations

South Korea's Lee plays down proposed US chip tariffs, warns of higher prices.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday if Washington introduced higher U.S. tariffs on semiconductor imports, it would likely boost U.S. prices, playing down concerns about the proposed 100% duty.

UK CPI expected to show a mild rebound in inflation in December.UK CPI expected to show a mild rebound in inflation in December

Exclusive: Japan should respond 'decisively' to bond selloff, opposition head says.Japan should act decisively against excessive market moves, such as by buying back government bonds or reducing issuance of super-long notes, Yuichiro Tamaki, head of an influential opposition party, told Reuters on Wednesday.

Japan opposition urges bond buybacks as JGB volatility intensifies.Japan's DPP called for decisive steps to calm bond and FX markets, warning ultra-long yield volatility risks destabilising broader financial conditions.

South Korea's Lee says authorities expect won to strengthen to around 1,400 level soon.South Korean authorities expect the won to strengthen to around the 1,400 per dollar level in a month or two, although domestic policies alone will not be able to stabilise foreign exchange markets, President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday.

Japanese Yen Forecast: USD/JPY Rises Ahead of Japan Snap Election.Political uncertainty, rising JGB yields, and BoJ hike expectations drive USD/JPY, while Trump's tariff threats limit dollar upside.