South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
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 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian Markets Rise on Tech Gains
Most Asian stocks climbed on Wednesday, buoyed by the tech sector's strong performance. Regional markets followed a positive lead from Wall Street, where technology stocks spurred overnight gains.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.7%, while the TOPIX index gained 0.1%. In Australia, the ASX 200 edged up 0.2%, and Indian futures hinted at a positive open after Tuesday's market recovery.
Chinese Markets Plunge Amid Stimulus Disappointment
Chinese stocks experienced sharp declines. The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes dropped over 4% from recent highs. Investors were disheartened by the lack of specifics on new stimulus measures, which dampened optimism following Tuesday’s brief rally after the Golden Week holiday.
Beijing’s announcement of monetary stimulus in late September, including proposed rate cuts and increased liquidity support, did little to reassure markets. Investors were also frustrated by the absence of targeted fiscal policies.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Falls, Tech Limits Losses
The Hang Seng index fell by 0.5%, continuing a 10% decline from the previous session. However, losses were cushioned by the tech sector, which showed some resilience.
Focus Shifts to Global Inflation and the Federal Reserve
As U.S. futures traded flat in Asian markets, attention shifted to upcoming Federal Reserve announcements and inflation data. Earlier bets on a slower pace of U.S. rate cuts had weighed on markets at the start of the week, but investors remain cautious, awaiting further economic cues.
