European Central Bank Governing Council member Villeroy reiterated the basic scenario of an economic slowdown but no recession, followed by a recovery.

ECB Governing Council member Villeroy: Although wage data is useful, it lags behind, and more forward-looking data needs to be considered when making interest rate decisions.

European Central Bank Governing Council member Villeroy: We have a lot of room for adjustment in cutting interest rates, and we do not necessarily need to return to loose monetary policy.

ECB Governing Council member Villeroy: There are several reasons why we shouldn’t wait too long for the first rate cut.

European Central Bank member Villeroy: There are still questions about the specific timetable for interest rate cuts.

European Central Bank member Villeroy: In my opinion, the principle of cutting interest rates this year is inevitable.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: The impact of past increases in import costs may further weaken.

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki: It is difficult to single-point the factors leading to the weakness of the yen.

Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki: Foreign exchange rates are determined by various factors in the market.

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda: If the prospects come true, Japan will not fall into deflation.

According to Ukrainian Pravda: Ukraine received a package of military aid worth 100 million euros from Germany, including transportation equipment and drone shells.

According to Ukrainian Pravda: Germany has begun providing military aid worth 100 million euros to Ukraine.

According to RIA Novosti: Russian air defense forces shot down five Ukrainian drones overnight.

Bank Negara Malaysia: Inflation is expected to remain moderate in 2024, broadly reflecting stable cost and demand conditions.

Bank Negara Malaysia: Both overall and core inflation rates have eased due to stable demand conditions and reduced cost pressures.

Bank Negara Malaysia: Malaysia’s GDP grew by 3.0% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, and growth in 2024 will be driven by strong domestic spending and improving external demand.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose 1% to 170.85 points.

Nike (NKE.N) said it would cut 2% of its workforce.

Thailand’s Prime Minister: Plans to waive visa requirements for several countries to promote tourism.

According to the Russian Sputnik Network: Russian social activists said that the Ukrainian army has resumed exercises to forcefully cross the Dnieper River and seize the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant.