Asian equities rise, led by Japan, as investors await U.S. inflation data
Markets were mixed today. Asian stocks jumped, led by Japan, where the Nikkei rose over 3% to record highs on a weaker yen near 159 per dollar and spending hopes. Nasdaq rose about 0.26% ahead of U.S. inflation data, while gold stayed near $4,590.99/oz as investors remained cautious.
Today's Snapshot
- Nikkei 225: ~53,800 (+3.3%)
- MSCI Asia-Pacific (ex-Japan): ~1,820 (+1.2%, record high)
- Nasdaq Composite: ~23,733 (+0.26%)
- Spot Gold: ~$4,590.99/oz (−0.32%)
- Spot Silver: ~$85.90/oz (−0.23%)
Global Markets
Precious Metals
Gold: ~$4,590.99/oz (−0.32%)
Gold declined 0.32% as some investors took profits following recent record highs, with a moderately stronger dollar pressuring prices.
Spot Silver: ~$85.90/oz (−0.23%)
Silver fell 0.23% as traders liquidated positions after recent gains; dollar strength reduced purchasing appeal.
FX
Dollar Index (DXY): 98.0 (slightly weaker)
The dollar slipped to approximately 98.0 as cautious sentiment ahead of U.S. inflation data reduced demand, while policy uncertainty limited buying interest.
USD/JPY: ~158.9 (yen weaker)
The yen weakened to ~158.9 per dollar as expectations point toward continued loose Japanese policy and increased government spending.
Stock Market — What Happened Today
U.S. Equities
- S&P 500: ~6,977.27 (+0.16%)
- Nasdaq Composite: ~23,733.90 (+0.26%)
U.S. stocks advanced modestly as investors exercised caution before key inflation figures.
Japan
Nikkei 225: ~53,800 (+3.3%)
- Nikkei surged 3.3% on investor enthusiasm for expanded government spending following reports of potential early elections under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
- Technology and export sectors led gains: Advantest and Tokyo Electron (+8%), SoftBank (+5%), Toyota (+7%), Subaru (+4%). Investors favored chip and AI stocks while automakers profited from yen weakness boosting international earnings.
Volatility & Positioning
The VIX remained near 14, signaling contained market volatility.
What Traders Are Watching
- U.S. inflation data — assessing whether price cooling justifies Federal Reserve rate cuts.
- Japan's stock rally and weak yen — monitoring potential Japanese authority intervention on currency weakness.
- Central bank comments — particularly Federal Reserve guidance on interest rate trajectory post-inflation data.
“Uncertainty is the friend of the buyer of long-term values.”
Yesterday's Market News – 12 January 2026
Markets stayed cautious amid global uncertainty. U.S. stocks rose after a weaker jobs report increased expectations of interest-rate cuts, while Asian markets edged higher, led by Hong Kong. Gold jumped about 2% to a record near $4,601/oz.
Read full recap →Sources
- Reuters — Asian stocks climb as Nikkei hits record highs on weak yen and election speculation
- Reuters — Japan snap election bets push stocks to record highs, sink yen and bonds
- Reuters — Commodities: Gold prices ease as investors book profits near record highs
- Reuters — U.S. Markets: U.S. futures dip ahead of inflation data
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