New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
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 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Most Asian currencies strengthened on Monday as the U.S. dollar extended losses following weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data, which raised uncertainty over the U.S. economy and interest rate outlook. The greenback retreated about 0.4% after Friday’s report showed July job growth slowing sharply, with downward revisions to the prior two months, signaling a cooling labor market. Concerns also mounted after President Donald Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, fueling doubts over U.S. economic data credibility.
Despite Monday’s gains, most regional currencies remain pressured after recent losses, driven by worries over Trump’s new trade tariffs and a mixed outlook for Federal Reserve policy. The Fed signaled last week it has no immediate plans to cut rates, though traders are now betting on rate cuts amid mounting political pressure from Trump. The early resignation of Fed Governor Adriana Kugler gives Trump another chance to reshape the central bank’s board.
Among major movers, the Japanese yen (USDJPY) rose 0.2%, benefiting from safe-haven demand. The Chinese yuan (USDCNY) climbed 0.4%, while the South Korean won (USDKRW) strengthened 0.3% and the Singapore dollar (USDSGD) gained 0.1%. The Australian dollar (AUDUSD) traded flat.
The Indian rupee, however, underperformed, with the USDINR pair inching higher after Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian exports. Markets remain cautious as trade talks between Washington and New Delhi show little progress.
Investor attention now turns to the Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming policy meeting, where the central bank is widely expected to cut interest rates to counter economic headwinds. Meanwhile, broader Asian forex sentiment will likely remain sensitive to U.S. data, Fed policy signals, and ongoing trade tensions.
