Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
The U.S. dollar extended gains against the yen for a third consecutive day on Wednesday, boosted by rising U.S. yields and renewed trade tensions. President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on Japan and other nations, with more trade-related proclamations expected. Trump stated that "a minimum of 7 countries" will be addressed in new announcements, fueling speculation on further tariffs or deals.
The dollar rose 0.2% to 146.85 yen, hitting a two-week high, as markets priced in higher U.S. yields and fiscal concerns in Japan ahead of the July 20 upper house elections. IG analyst Tony Sycamore noted stalled U.S.-Japan talks, largely due to Japan’s rice market protections, which remain a sticking point.
The dollar index held steady at 97.582 after two days of gains, reflecting strength across major peers. The euro remained flat at $1.1720, while the British pound slipped 0.1% to $1.35795. The Australian dollar dipped to $0.6526, while New Zealand’s kiwi traded at $0.5993.
Trump’s tariff plans include a 50% duty on imported copper, with semiconductors and pharmaceuticals also targeted in upcoming measures. Meanwhile, the European Union is reportedly seeking exemptions from the 10% U.S. baseline tariff, according to EU sources.
Bank of Japan board member Junko Koeda voiced concerns about inflationary pressures from rising rice prices, which could have second-round effects on core inflation. Separately, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will skip the G20 finance meeting in South Africa but is set to attend the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
As global markets react to trade policy shifts and currency movements, investors remain focused on central bank responses and geopolitical developments.
