Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Russia Stocks Close Flat as MOEX Hits 1-Month High 
Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Asian markets dropped Wednesday as Nvidia shares plunged following U.S. restrictions on AI chip exports to China, fueling fears of an expanding U.S.-China tech war. The news wiped out $160 billion from Nvidia’s market cap, triggering a 1.4% fall in Nasdaq futures and a 0.8% drop in S&P 500 futures.
The U.S. imposed new export licensing rules on Nvidia’s H20 chips, a move expected to cost the chipmaker $5.5 billion. Analysts warn the export curbs mark the beginning of a larger tech battle, prompting investor caution. The broader MSCI Asia-Pacific index slipped 0.9%, while Japan’s Nikkei dipped 0.5%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.6%. In contrast, Chinese chipmakers like Hua Hong Semiconductor and SMIC gained on expectations of domestic growth.
Despite China’s Q1 GDP growth beating forecasts at 5.4%, trade tensions cloud the outlook. President Trump’s order to investigate new tariffs on critical mineral imports and China’s retaliation—including a halt on Boeing aircraft deliveries—intensified concerns over global supply chains.
Gold soared 1.2% to a record $3,266.65 per ounce, driven by rising geopolitical risk. ANZ raised its year-end gold price forecast to $3,600, citing increased demand for safe-haven assets. U.S. Treasury yields stabilized, with the 10-year at 4.325% and the 30-year at 4.777%, both below last week’s highs.
In currency markets, the dollar weakened. The euro rose to $1.1316, and the yen gained to 142.84 per dollar. Bank of Japan Governor Ueda signaled potential policy action if tariffs weigh on Japan’s economy.
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent at $64.79 and U.S. crude at $61.42. Markets now await Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech for further guidance amid escalating trade tensions.
