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AI Anxiety and Metal Mayhem Shake U.S. Markets

U.S. stock futures stumbled as renewed doubts about the sustainability of the artificial‑intelligence boom rippled through financial markets. Tech-heavy benchmarks led the decline, with Nasdaq futures sliding and the S&P 500 also moving lower as investors reassessed whether AI-linked valuations have run too far, too fast. The unease wasn’t limited to equities. Precious metals experienced dramatic intraday swings, with gold and silver both whipsawing after a period of rapid gains. Traders pointed to shifting expectations around interest rates and safe‑haven demand as key drivers behind the volatility. The combination of tech-sector skepticism and commodity turbulence has created a tense backdrop for markets. While some investors see the pullback as a healthy reset, others worry it may signal deeper concerns about the durability of the recent rally. Markets now look ahead to upcoming economic data and corporate earnings for clearer direction.

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China’s Central Bank Cuts Reserve Requirement Ratio for Banks to Boost Slowing Economy

 

China’s central bank has announced a cut in the reserve requirement ratio for banks to help boost the slowing economy. The move is expected to provide 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion) in long-term liquidity to the market. The deposit reserve requirement will be cut by 0.5 percentage points as of February 5th, 2024. 

The decision comes as the world’s second-largest economy faces multiple challenges, including a faltering recovery from the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The central bank’s moves appear to be part of a concerted effort to stabilize the markets and instill greater confidence in the outlook for the economy.


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