RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Most Asian stocks drifted higher on Wednesday, supported by a mild rebound in the battered technology sector, although persistent uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy kept overall gains in check. Regional equity markets broadly followed a mixed overnight session on Wall Street, where investors remained cautious amid conflicting U.S. labor market signals and weaker-than-expected purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data.
Market sentiment stayed fragile as traders looked ahead to key U.S. inflation data. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% in early Asian hours, highlighting investor hesitation before the release of U.S. consumer price index (CPI) figures due on Thursday. The data is widely seen as critical for gauging the Federal Reserve’s next policy steps and the broader outlook for the world’s largest economy.
Asian technology stocks recovered some lost ground after a sharp selloff over the past week, driven by profit-taking and doubts surrounding artificial intelligence valuations. South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 0.8%, rebounding from recent underperformance, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index added a modest 0.1%. Tech shares benefited from bargain hunting, particularly after supportive cues from U.S. markets.
In Hong Kong, robotaxi firms Pony AI and WeRide surged more than 3% each, tracking gains in Tesla after CEO Elon Musk said the company was testing robotaxis without human safety drivers. Apple suppliers in Asia also advanced, with shares of Lens Technology and LG Display rising after reports that Apple plans to expand its iPhone lineup and explore shifting some chip production to India.
Mainland Chinese markets edged higher as investors awaited additional fiscal stimulus from Beijing following weak November economic data. The CSI 300 gained 0.6%, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.2%. Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.4% and Singapore’s Straits Times index dropped 0.3%, despite stronger non-oil export data.
Indian equities were slightly lower, with the Nifty 50 down 0.1%, after the central bank governor signaled that interest rates may remain low for an extended period, while warning of potential growth risks from U.S. trade tariffs. Japanese stocks posted modest gains, with the Nikkei 225 up 0.3%, supported by stronger-than-expected export growth, though caution persisted ahead of upcoming CPI data and a closely watched Bank of Japan policy meeting.
