Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Asian currencies saw slight gains on Thursday after recent losses, but market sentiment remained cautious due to rising global trade tensions and fears of a U.S. recession. Meanwhile, the dollar steadied following a mild rebound, despite softer-than-expected U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data for February. While some CPI components suggested inflation was cooling, others indicated it remained sticky, keeping traders on edge.
A surge in U.S. Treasury yields supported the dollar, as concerns grew over a potential recession and heightened trade tariffs under President Donald Trump. The greenback also held firm ahead of producer price index (PPI) data, which could provide further insight into inflation trends.
The Japanese yen remained stable after reaching a five-month high against the dollar, buoyed by safe-haven demand and expectations of a Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hike, possibly as soon as May. The BOJ is expected to maintain rates at its upcoming meeting.
Other Asian currencies moved within tight ranges. The Chinese yuan edged up 0.1% amid anticipation of Beijing’s stimulus measures to counter Trump’s tariffs. The Australian dollar, South Korean won, and Singapore dollar remained mostly unchanged. The Indian rupee rose 0.1% after inflation fell below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% threshold, increasing the likelihood of rate cuts.
Despite a softer CPI reading, inflationary pressures from Trump’s tariffs persist, with new 25% duties on steel and aluminum taking effect this week. Markets now await the PPI report for further inflation signals, with the Federal Reserve set to meet next week. A softer inflation outlook could pave the way for additional rate cuts.
