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đź“…January 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Investors shift from tech to cyclicals amid China trade surge, global risks like geoeconomic confrontation, Japan snap election plans, and regulatory probes in key markets.
1

Investors Rotate Out of Tech Stocks into Cyclical Plays

Investors are moving from tech stocks to cyclical sectors as trading begins in Asia. This rotation is highlighted in Bloomberg's Asia Trade update on January 15, 2026.Source 1 Market opens in South Korea and Japan reflect this trend amid broader equity adjustments.Source 1

2

China's Trade Surplus Hits Record $1.2 Trillion in 2025

China's trade surplus reached nearly $1.2 trillion last year, with exports rising 5.5% to $3.77 trillion despite flat imports at $2.58 trillion. Exports to non-US markets like Europe compensated for declining US shipments.Source 3 Analysts predict exports will continue supporting the economy amid trade frictions.Source 3

3

World Economic Forum Flags Geoeconomic Confrontation as Top 2026 Risk

The WEF Global Risks Report 2026 identifies geoeconomic confrontation as the highest risk, followed by interstate conflict, extreme weather, societal polarization, and misinformation. This emerges in an 'age of competition' affecting global business.Source 2 Businesses must navigate these risks for resilience.Source 2

4

Citi Slumps Despite Q4 Earnings Beat

Citigroup's shares fell after reporting fourth-quarter results that beat estimates, due to concerns over regulatory requirements and cost-cutting progress. CEO commented on Trump's proposed credit card fee cap.Source 1 This reflects investor caution in banking sector.Source 1

5

Japan's Ruling Bloc Confirms Takaichi to Call Snap Election

Japan's ruling bloc has confirmed Sanae Takaichi will call a snap poll to strengthen her mandate. This political move is seen as an election gamble amid economic pressures.Source 1 Discussions continue on policy outlook.Source 1

6

Bank of Korea Holds Rates Steady, Signals Neutral Stance

The Bank of Korea maintained its interest rate, nudging toward a neutral policy stance. Goldman Sachs’ Goohoon Kwon provided insights on the outlook.Source 1 This decision impacts regional markets as trading opens.Source 1

7

China Launches Antitrust Probe into Trip.com

Chinese regulators opened an antitrust investigation into Trip.com, causing shares to fall 15% in pre-market Hong Kong trading. This follows a second day of declines amid broader market concerns.Source 4 Travel sector faces heightened scrutiny.Source 4

8

TSMC Earnings Anticipated Amid AI Boom

Traders await TSMC's fourth-quarter earnings report on Thursday, boosted by the AI boom lifting its stock. This is a key focus for semiconductor investors.Source 1 AI demand continues driving sector performance.Source 1

9

China Raises Margin-Financing Ratio to Curb Market Risks

Authorities in China increased the margin-financing ratio to slow the market bull run and mitigate risks. This measure aims to stabilize equity markets amid sideways to lower trading.Source 4 Morgan Stanley’s Laura Wang commented on Chinese markets.Source 4

10

Global Trade Shifts to 'Patchwork Model' Scenario

A multi-nodal patchwork model emerges for future global trade, with nodes led by US 'America first' policies and China's self-sufficiency focus. Trade growth continues but requires geopolitical integration and resilient supply chains.Source 5 Businesses must build agility for this evolving landscape.Source 5

11

Canadian PM Carney Visits China on First State Trip Since 2018

Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, meets Xi Jinping on his first state visit to China, following recent visits by other Western leaders. This occurs amid China's efforts to court support against US policies.Source 1 Discussions may address trade and economic ties.Source 4

12

Trump Sets Process for Securing Critical Minerals

President Trump outlined a process to secure critical minerals, amid tensions like Denmark's disagreement over Greenland. US Senator Tillis notes no Congressional support for Trump's Greenland ambitions.Source 1 This impacts global resource supply chains.Source 1