Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia Edition Apple Record Earnings, Traders Weigh Big Tech, Fed Chair Pick Countdown
Jan 30, 2026
Harold Vondelinde, HSBC Head of Asia-Pacific Equity Strategy, on Asia tech, Korea and China flows. David Finnerty, Bloomberg rates and FX strategist from Melbourne, on dollar volatility, BoJ moves and Fed chair timing. They discuss Apple-driven tech optimism, FX swings, central bank risks and IPO/liquidity themes in short, punchy conversations.
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Apple's Holiday Quarter Was A Home Run
- Apple delivered a record holiday-quarter with revenue up 16% to $143.8bn driven by iPhone 17, services, and China recovery.
- Mark Gurman called it a "home run" and said China is back, highlighting an $85bn iPhone quarter and a $2.5bn installed base.
Dollar Volatility Began With BOJ Ripples
- Dollar volatility started after the Bank of Japan meeting and possible intervention rumors triggered rapid position reversals in dollar-yen.
- President Trump's comments the next week signaled tolerance for a weaker dollar and encouraged traders to short the greenback more broadly.
Market Pricing Hinges On New Fed Chair Timing
- Markets assume Trump's Fed pick will favor rate cuts and expect the new chair to arrive in May, making June the first realistic cut window.
- David Finnerty noted strong incoming data could push markets to dial back cut expectations, while weak labor data would accelerate pricing for multiple cuts.