Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Markets Steady Amid Earnings Season and Rate Cuts
Most Asian stocks traded within a narrow range on Monday, reflecting investor caution ahead of the upcoming earnings season. Chinese markets saw modest gains following a rate cut from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which exceeded expectations.
U.S. Market Influences Asian Stocks
Regional markets gained some traction from Wall Street’s positive performance, where U.S. stock indexes closed near record highs on Friday. In Asian trading, Wall Street futures were also mildly positive, indicating continued optimism.
Chinese Stocks Rise Post Rate Cut
Chinese indexes, including the Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and the Shanghai Composite, rose approximately 0.7% amid volatile trading after the PBOC lowered its benchmark loan prime rates. This cut is part of a broader stimulus strategy from Beijing aimed at boosting economic growth. However, despite initial enthusiasm, Chinese stocks have seen recent pullbacks due to investor disappointment over the lack of detailed plans regarding the timing and scale of stimulus measures.
Regional Reactions and Outlook
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dipped by 0.2%, suggesting cautious sentiment among foreign investors regarding China’s rate cut. Despite mixed economic signals from the region, Australia’s ASX 200 gained 0.6%, benefiting from its strong trade ties with China.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.3%, while the TOPIX index remained flat. South Korea’s KOSPI showed little change, and futures for India’s Nifty 50 index hinted at a positive opening as it attempts to breach the 25,000-point threshold.
