Global markets saw notable developments on 29 January, with South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix posting a more than doubling of profits and major U.S. AI firms beating earnings forecasts. This performance reflects robust demand for AI-related technologies and memory chips.
In parallel, German corporate investment in China reached a four-year high, highlighting a strategic shift among European companies seeking manufacturing and market access amid geopolitical tensions.
The U.S. Federal Reserve also held interest rates steady, demonstrating a cautious stance amid inflation and broader economic uncertainties. Markets reacted to the decision with mixed investor sentiment.
China’s public debt ratio rose significantly, drawing attention to fiscal policy challenges in balancing growth and sustainability, though analysts note the context of slower nominal economic growth.