Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
The U.S. dollar is poised for a weekly gain against major currencies as optimism over a limited U.S.-UK trade agreement and potential progress in upcoming U.S.-China trade negotiations lifted sentiment. Expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts also diminished after Chair Jerome Powell signaled no urgency for monetary easing.
The euro was steady on Friday morning in Asia but fell 0.6% for the week to $1.1217. The Japanese yen dropped 0.7%, briefly touching a one-month low of 146.18 per dollar. Sterling initially rose on reports of a U.S.-UK trade deal but later slipped to a three-week low of $1.3220 after the deal's modest terms were revealed. The agreement slightly boosts agricultural trade and eases U.S. auto tariffs on British cars but retains a 10% baseline tariff.
Analysts say the dollar’s strength reflects market optimism over reduced trade tensions. Steve Englander of Standard Chartered noted that prospects of a broader trade détente—especially with China—may be calming market fears. President Trump announced the UK deal and hinted at possible tariff reductions on China, with negotiations set to begin in Switzerland this weekend. Reports suggest the U.S. may halve tariffs on Chinese imports, though the White House called the claims speculative.
Risk sentiment improved, as seen in Bitcoin’s rally above $100,000. Meanwhile, the Australian and New Zealand dollars weakened, falling 0.7% and trading at $0.6391 and $0.5892 respectively. Central banks mostly held rates steady, though the Bank of England implemented a cut. Market odds of a Fed rate cut in June dropped from 55% to 17% following Powell’s remarks.
Despite the greenback's G10 strength, it slipped against some Asian currencies, including the Taiwan and Singapore dollars, amid regional currency surges and central bank interventions.
