China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Dollar Maintains Weekly Gains
Asian currencies weakened on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar. The dollar's rise is driven by expectations of slower interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, setting the stage for a fourth consecutive week of gains.
Japanese Yen Steadies Amid Election and Intervention Concerns
The Japanese yen hovered near a three-month low at ¥152 against the dollar. Traders remain cautious ahead of Japan's general election this weekend. Polls suggest the ruling Liberal Democratic Party may struggle to secure a majority, which could limit Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ability to enact further economic reforms.
Japan’s government has also issued warnings about possible currency intervention due to the yen’s recent weakness, which has contributed to market volatility.
Dollar's Strength Pressures Asian Currencies
The dollar index remained strong, gaining about 0.6% this week. In addition to Federal Reserve policy, the dollar is supported by speculation that Donald Trump may win the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which could lead to inflationary policies and higher long-term interest rates.
This scenario has weighed on most Asian currencies, with the Chinese yuan rising by 0.1% and the South Korean won surging by 0.7%. The Australian dollar fell by 0.3%, while the Indian rupee remained near record lows.
