Easing market volatility, ‘goldilocks’ US data and a landslide victory for Takaichi in Japan
• Sanae Takaichi’s gamble paid off as the LDP won a supermajority in Japan’s Lower House.
• US macro data continues to point to a ‘Goldilocks’ setup.
• The volatility spike in risk assets last week has settled with stocks, metals and crypto recovering.
• The conservative Bhumjaithai Party were the biggest winners in Thailand’s General Election and are likely to be able to form a cohesive government with coalition partners.
• Argentina’s Luis Caputo projects inflation falling to 16% by end 2026.
• In Colombia, frontrunner Iván Cepeda was barred from participating in the primaries to decide the left-wing coalition candidate.
• Bank of Mexico paused its rate cutting cycle, signalling caution.
• South Africa’s Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen plans to step down by April.
• Zambia’s FX reserves rose 83% in 2025, buoyed by higher gold prices.