Most major markets saw prices hold steady or rise a bit this week. Gold averaged about USD 4,980 per ounce, staying near the top of last week’s range as safe-haven demand continued before important economic data. Silver also remained strong, with spot prices close to USD 88 per ounce.
Brent crude oil prices stayed in a narrow range of USD 67 to 69 per barrel, easing after recent swings driven by Middle East supply news. Stock markets were mixed: U.S. indexes finished the week a little higher, while Asian stocks lost some momentum and showed greater sectoral differences. The U.S. dollar index also rose slightly, reflecting steady demand for the dollar amid policy uncertainty.
Amid these market trends, tourism in East Asia followed a different pattern that could soon attract more investor attention. Japan welcomed a record 42.7 million foreign visitors in 2025, and spending by these travelers also reached new highs. However, the number of Chinese visitors dropped sharply at the end of the year because of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Overall, the rise in visitors is still helping services and consumer-focused businesses, though duty-free retail is weaker in some places.
South Korea is also set to break records for inbound tourism, with forecasts of over 20 million visitors in 2026. Looser visa rules and the popularity of Korean culture and events are driving this growth. Chinese tourists are expected to account for a larger share of arrivals during the Lunar New Year, with numbers likely to rise by more than 50% from last year. This could shift some holiday travel away from Japan.
Overall, the latest tourism data from Japan and South Korea show that travel patterns in Asia’s service economy are changing. While these trends are not yet the main force behind broader market moves, they could become more important for currencies, consumer company earnings, and regional growth if they continue through the spring and summer.
Week ending February 8, 2026
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