U.S. Stocks Slip as Gold Rebounds Ahead of Year-End, Markets Eye 2026 Outlook 
South Korea Inflation Rises to 2.3% in December, Matching Market Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Ahead of Fed Minutes as Markets Eye Policy Divisions 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Oil Prices Stabilize at Start of 2026 as OPEC+ Policy and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
Japanese Business Leaders Urge Government Action as Weak Yen Strains Economy 
South Korea Exports Hit Record High as Global Trade Momentum Builds 
Forex Markets Hold Steady as Traders Await Fed Minutes Amid Thin Year-End Volumes 
Asian Stock Markets Start New Year Higher as Tech and AI Shares Drive Gains 
Federal Reserve Begins Treasury Bill Purchases to Stabilize Reserves and Money Markets 
Gold Prices Rebound in Europe as Geopolitical Tensions and Fed Outlook Support Bullion 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Weakens in Thin New Year Trading 
U.S. Dollar Slides Toward Biggest Annual Loss Since 2017 as 2026 Risks Loom 
Asian Markets Slip as Precious Metals Cool, Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Sentiment 
Trump Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets for One More Year 
China Imposes 55% Tariff on Beef Imports Above Quota to Protect Domestic Industry 
Most Asian currencies traded within a narrow range on Tuesday, reflecting a cautious market mood as investors awaited key economic data from the United States and Asia. The Japanese yen remained one of the notable movers, holding on to overnight gains after hawkish signals from the Bank of Japan reinforced expectations of further policy tightening. At the same time, regional currencies found some relief as the U.S. dollar stabilized following a volatile start to the week.
The yen strengthened modestly, with the USD/JPY pair hovering near 156.4 after retreating from levels above 157. This move came after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated that the central bank is prepared to continue raising interest rates if wage growth and inflation remain on track. His remarks followed the BOJ’s recent 25-basis-point rate hike, which pushed borrowing costs to their highest level in three decades. Ongoing speculation about potential currency market intervention by Japanese authorities also lent support to the yen, especially after recent weakness pushed it into levels that previously triggered action from Tokyo.
Across the rest of Asia, currency movements were subdued. The Chinese yuan edged higher, with USD/CNY slipping about 0.1% and holding near its strongest level in roughly two and a half years. Sentiment around the yuan was supported by optimism that Beijing may roll out additional stimulus to counter slowing economic growth, while upcoming Chinese inflation data later this week is expected to provide further direction. The Australian dollar also posted mild gains ahead of December inflation data, which has taken on added importance amid signs of renewed price pressures that have reduced expectations for interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Elsewhere, the Singapore dollar strengthened slightly, the South Korean won was largely unchanged, and the Indian rupee remained under pressure, trading above the 90-per-dollar mark. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar steadied after a sharp bout of volatility tied to geopolitical headlines involving Venezuela. With markets now shifting focus to U.S. nonfarm payrolls data due Friday, Asian currencies are likely to remain rangebound as traders look for clearer signals on global interest rate and policy outlooks.
