Global Market Volatility Hits Asian Stocks Amid U.S. Trade Uncertainty 📈

• Market Performance: Asian markets stuttered as the MSCI Asia-Pacific index fell 0.2%, reversing a six-day rally. This follows a 1.0% drop in the S&P 500 and a 1.1% decline in the Nasdaq, driven by AI trade concerns and a bearish global economy report. • U.S. Policy Impact: Markets are reacting to President Trump's threat of higher duties under Section 122 of the Trade Act, targeting countries backing away from negotiated trade deals. This protectionist stance follows the Supreme Court striking down emergency tariffs, heightening global trade uncertainty. • Key Indicators: • Japanese Markets: The Nikkei 225 bucked the trend, advancing 0.7% upon returning from a holiday. • Currencies & Commodities: The USD strengthened slightly to 154.77 yen. Gold rose 0.3% to US$ 5,244.96 as a safe-haven asset, while WTI crude edged down to US$ 66.23 amid U.S.-Iran tensions. • Volatility: The VIX rose to 21.01, reflecting increased investor jitters. • Monetary Outlook: Fed funds futures signal a 95.5% probability that the U.S. central bank will hold interest rates steady at the March 18 meeting. Based on provisional data.