U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
The euro soared to a five-month high, reaching $1.0947 in New York before stabilizing at $1.0913 in Asia, following Ukraine’s agreement to a month-long ceasefire proposal. European equity futures climbed, with FTSE futures up 0.3%, while Russia’s rouble hit a seven-month high.
Market volatility persisted as U.S. tariff uncertainty fueled concerns over economic slowdown. Wall Street’s S&P 500 slipped 0.8%, nearing a 10% decline from February’s peak, as President Donald Trump threatened then retracted a tariff hike on Canadian steel and aluminium. Investors fear the back-and-forth on trade policies will disrupt economic growth.
Asia-Pacific shares rose 0.2%, with China and Hong Kong markets steady, while Japan’s Nikkei held firm after hitting a six-month low. Meanwhile, travel stocks tumbled after Delta Air Lines halved its profit forecast, with United and American Airlines warning of deteriorating demand. Retailers also struggled—Kohl’s Corp plunged 24%, and Dick’s Sporting Goods fell 5.7% on weak sales reports.
The Canadian dollar hit a one-week low before recovering to C$1.443, ahead of a key central bank meeting where a seventh consecutive rate cut is in focus. The U.S. dollar weakened, Treasuries rallied, and the yen dipped from a five-month high, trading around 148 per dollar. The Australian dollar remained under pressure at 63 U.S. cents, while Brent crude hovered near $70 a barrel.
Investors await U.S. inflation data for February, though its impact from tariffs may be minimal. As uncertainty lingers over global markets, traders closely watch economic indicators and policy shifts that could dictate the next market moves.
