Markets Eye Relief as Tariff Uncertainty Eases

Global markets are poised for a positive start to the week as uncertainty over US tariffs and tensions with Iran appear to be easing, sparking a rally in stocks and gold. Chinese shares are expected to rebound as traders return from their Lunar New Year break, buoyed by optimism over reduced tariffs and the growth of homegrown technologies.

The US-China trade dispute has been a major source of uncertainty for markets in recent months, but recent developments suggest that a resolution may be in sight. The US has indicated that it is willing to reduce tariffs on Chinese goods, which has sparked hopes of a breakthrough in trade talks between the two nations. This has led to a surge in Chinese stocks, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising by over 1% in morning trade.

Gold has also been a beneficiary of the reduced uncertainty, rising for a fifth consecutive day as investors seek safer assets. The precious metal has traditionally been seen as a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty, and the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran have only added to its appeal. "Gold's rally is being driven by a combination of factors, including the ongoing trade tensions and the uncertainty surrounding the US-Iran situation," said a gold analyst at a major bank.

Oil prices, on the other hand, have steadied as US President Donald Trump reiterated his preference for a nuclear deal with Iran. This has eased concerns about a potential conflict in the Middle East, which had driven oil prices higher in recent weeks. "We're seeing a bit of a relief rally in oil prices as the market digests the latest developments on the US-Iran front," said an oil analyst at a major brokerage firm.

In other news, United Overseas Bank Ltd. reported a drop in fourth-quarter profit, missing analyst expectations. The bank's lending income and trading revenues declined, leading to a 10% drop in net profit. This has raised concerns about the outlook for the banking sector, which has been hit by a decline in lending and trading activity.

Meanwhile, in the US, New York City schools are set to reopen on Tuesday after a snowstorm forced their closure. The city's mayor, Zohran Mamdani, lifted a travel ban but encouraged people to stay off the roads as snow continues to fall across the region. The reopening of schools is a welcome relief for parents and students, who have been forced to endure a prolonged period of disruption due to the weather.

In conclusion, markets are poised for a positive start to the week as uncertainty over US tariffs and tensions with Iran appear to be easing. The rally in stocks and gold is a welcome development for investors, who have been seeking safer assets in recent months. However, the outlook for the banking sector remains uncertain, and the situation in the Middle East continues to be a source of concern.

Sources:
* Bloomberg: "China Stocks May See Resilient Reopen on Tariff Relief, AI Buzz"
* Bloomberg: "Gold Rises for Fifth Day on US Tariff Uncertainty, Iran Tension"
* Bloomberg: "Oil Steadies as Trump Reiterates Preference for Deal with Iran"
* Bloomberg: "UOB Profit Drops on Reduction in Bank’s Lending Income, Trading"
* Bloomberg: "New York City Schools Will Reopen in Person Tuesday"