Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Most Asian currencies edged lower on Monday as investors assessed mixed signals on the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. The US Dollar Index held steady after a strong performance last week, keeping pressure on regional currencies. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, expectations for a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut in December rose sharply to about 69%, up from 44% a week earlier. This shift came after New York Fed President John Williams hinted that policy adjustments could be possible in the near term. Still, several Fed officials emphasized that inflation and labor market strength remain concerns, leaving December’s outcome uncertain.
Analysts at ING noted that the minutes from the October FOMC meeting showed many officials leaning against a December rate cut, suggesting that without key upcoming economic data, opinions are unlikely to shift significantly.
Across Asia, the Chinese yuan (USD/CNH) inched 0.1% higher, while the Singapore dollar (USD/SGD) rose 0.2%. The South Korean won (USD/KRW) dropped 0.5%, marking the biggest decline among regional currencies. The Australian dollar (AUD/USD) remained largely stable.
The Japanese yen (USD/JPY) continued to face downward pressure after touching multi-month lows last week. Expectations that the Bank of Japan may maintain or even ease monetary policy—combined with expansionary fiscal measures under new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—added to the yen’s weakness. Tokyo officials reiterated that currency intervention remains possible if volatility becomes excessive, offering limited support.
Meanwhile, the Indian rupee (USD/INR) strengthened 0.5% after sinking to a record low of 89.72 on Friday. Reports indicated that the Reserve Bank of India stepped in to stabilize the currency following a sharp sell-off triggered when the pair broke past the 88.80 level, which RBI had previously defended.
This latest currency movement reflects ongoing uncertainty in global monetary policy and shifting investor sentiment across Asian markets.
