**Global Market Brief: Volatility Sweeps Asia & US** **Asian Markets Slide on Global Cues** Asian equities closed lower Friday, January 30, directly tracking a volatile session on Wall Street. Regional sentiment was battered by a sharp sell-off in technology stocks and renewed geopolitical anxieties. Chinese indices dropped between **0.85%** and **1.40%**, while Australia’s market shed **1.1%**. Japan’s Nikkei traded flat, struggling to find direction amidst the broader risk-off mood. **Tech Sector Hit by Microsoft Plunge** The downturn was triggered by a massive slump in Microsoft shares, which plummeted roughly **10-12%** despite beating earnings expectations. Investors reacted negatively to the company's record capital expenditure of **$37.5 billion**, fueling fears that AI infrastructure costs are outpacing near-term returns. This sentiment dragged down the broader tech sector, heavily influencing Asian supply chain partners. **Commodities Retreat** Safe-haven assets and energy markets faced significant pressure. * **Gold** suffered a sharp correction, falling nearly **4-5%** to trade around **$5,100–$5,300** per ounce as profit-taking set in and the US dollar strengthened. * **Oil** prices dipped approximately **2%**, weighed down by reduced risk appetite and mixed global demand signals. **Indonesia Market Rout & Leadership Exit** The Indonesian Stock Exchange (IDX) took center stage in regional turmoil. The exchange's CEO, Iman Rachman, resigned Friday following a devastating **$80 billion** loss in market value over two days. The rout was sparked by fears of an MSCI downgrade to "frontier" status, amplifying investor concerns regarding governance and market transparency. **Trade Tensions Fuel Uncertainty** Global jitters were further stoked by escalating trade friction. The US administration recently hiked tariffs on South Korean goods to **25%**, citing delayed trade deal ratifications. Simultaneously, reports of a "historic trade surplus" for China have renewed friction with Western partners, keeping investors on high alert for further protectionist measures.