Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Markets Wobble as Chinese Stocks Weaken
Asian stocks fluctuated on Monday, weighed down by Chinese market weakness, even as Bitcoin surged to a three-month high. Investor sentiment was dampened by cautious optimism around China’s economic stimulus, with many awaiting further fiscal support.
China's central bank cut benchmark lending rates, but the move was anticipated by the market. Hong Kong equities slipped 0.6%, and China’s blue-chip index seesawed before ending 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei posted a modest 0.34% gain.
Bitcoin Soars to Three-Month Peak
Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $69,100, its highest level since July, as the world’s leading cryptocurrency saw a 9.6% increase last week. Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted, “Bitcoin is positioned well for continued growth.” Traders are factoring in a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. election, which could boost cryptocurrencies further due to his favorable stance.
Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Uncertainty
Gold prices hit a record $2,727.39 an ounce, extending last week's 2% rise. The precious metal is benefiting from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the close U.S. presidential race. “Gold remains a key Trump trade due to his aggressive economic policies,” said Arun Sai, senior multi-asset strategist at Pictet Asset Management.
Oil Prices Stabilize After Recent Drop
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude futures rising 0.4% to $73.36 a barrel, while U.S. crude gained 0.43% to $69.52 per barrel, recovering slightly from last week’s steep losses.
