Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Regulatory Impact
FedEx ft.com has filed a lawsuit seeking a full refund of duties imposed under former President Trump’s emergency tariffs, arguing the levies were unlawful after the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. The case marks the first major corporate challenge to the tariff regime and could set a precedent for other import‑heavy firms.
Equities
Woodside investing.com surged to an 18‑month peak following robust fiscal‑year results and the announcement of a higher dividend, lifting Australian energy stocks ahead of the Asia‑Pacific trading day.
Chinese stocks bloomberg.com are poised for a resilient rebound as traders return from the Lunar New Year break, buoyed by expectations of reduced U.S. tariffs and renewed enthusiasm for domestic AI champions that have recently pressured Wall Street valuations.
Commodities – Gold
Gold wsj.com edged higher in early Asian trade, with investors seeking safety amid lingering tariff uncertainties that could affect global supply chains.
Gold bloomberg.com extended its rally for a fifth consecutive session, driven by heightened U.S. trade policy ambiguity and escalating geopolitical tension with Iran, reinforcing its role as a hedge against market volatility.
Commodities – Oil
Oil bloomberg.com steadied after President Trump reiterated a preference for a nuclear deal with Iran, calming concerns that renewed sanctions could disrupt Middle‑East supply and spike crude prices.
Fixed Income
Amundi bloomberg.com announced a strategic shift to purchase Japanese government bonds, the first long‑term exposure by Europe’s largest asset manager in three decades, signaling confidence in Japan’s yield curve and fiscal stability.
US Treasuries ft.com remain largely untouched by Chinese investors, countering narratives that Beijing is dumping sovereign debt to undermine the dollar’s dominance.
Lithium Supply
Lithium output bloomberg.com from the SQM‑Codelco venture edged past forecasts, underscoring the accelerating demand for battery metals as electric‑vehicle production ramps up worldwide.