Oil prices are surging, AI spending is back under the microscope, and a new round of U.S. tariffs is raising fresh concerns about global growth. Together, these forces are driving volatility across financial markets and putting renewed pressure on Asian currencies as inflation risks rise and the Federal Reserve maintains a hawkish tone.

In this episode of Market Focus Weekly, Barclays' Mitul Kotecha joins us to unpack the week's biggest market and FX developments. We examine the impact of higher energy prices on Asia's inflation outlook and central bank policy, discuss whether the region is prepared for another wave of tariffs, and explore what's next for two closely watched currencies—the Japanese yen and the Indian rupee.

Highlights:

02:00 How is Asia coping with high energy prices

09:10 New Trump tariffs impact on Asia

11:08 Japan yen intervention expectations

13:33 Further depreciation for the Indian rupee

---

Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to btpodcasts@sph.com.sg.

---

Hosted by: Claressa Monteiro (claremb@sph.com.sg)

Written by: Nicole Teo

With Mitul Kotecha, head of FX and EM Macro Strategy Asia, Barclays

Edited by: Nicole Teo & Claressa Monteiro

Produced by: Nicole Teo & Chai Pei Chieh

A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media

---

Follow Market Focus Weekly podcasts every Friday:

Channel: bt.sg/btmktfocus

Amazon: bt.sg/mfam

Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/mfap

Spotify: bt.sg/mfsp

YouTube Music: bt.sg/mfyt

Website: bt.sg/mktfocus

Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. 

Discover more BT podcast series:

BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks

BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt

BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcasts

BT Lens On: bt.sg/btlenson