Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian currencies traded narrowly on Tuesday, while the U.S. dollar saw modest gains amid renewed trade tensions and global economic uncertainty. The dollar index rose 0.2% in Asian trading, recovering from prior losses, as risk appetite weakened due to geopolitical and economic concerns.
The Australian dollar led regional losses, with the AUD/USD pair falling 0.5%. Dovish signals from the Reserve Bank of Australia and weaker-than-expected Q1 data—including a sharp current account deficit—pressured the currency ahead of Wednesday’s GDP release. The RBA had already cut interest rates by 25 basis points in May, citing headwinds from global trade issues.
The Chinese yuan remained flat, with the USD/CNY holding around 7.1978. Offshore yuan edged down 0.1%, reversing Monday’s gains. Recent PMI data showed a contraction in China’s manufacturing sector, highlighting the impact of escalating U.S. tariffs. While a temporary tariff truce had been agreed in May, recent developments show talks stalling. U.S. President Donald Trump accused China of breaching the deal, while Beijing rejected the claim and criticized continued U.S. curbs on its chip industry.
Other Asian currencies also showed limited movement. The Japanese yen softened slightly, with the USD/JPY pair up 0.3%. The Singapore dollar and South Korean won each saw 0.2% increases against the dollar, with Korean markets partially closed for a presidential election. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee held steady ahead of a key Reserve Bank of India rate decision, where another 25 basis point cut is expected.
Overall, Asian forex markets remained cautious as traders weighed geopolitical risks, central bank actions, and the potential fallout from deteriorating U.S.-China relations. Currency volatility may rise if economic data continues to disappoint or trade tensions escalate further.
