Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian stocks were mostly higher on Friday as markets welcomed short-term relief after U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a decision on whether the U.S. will join the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. However, Japanese shares underperformed due to stronger-than-expected inflation data and growing expectations of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan.
The Nikkei 225 and TOPIX slipped 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, pressured by a strengthening yen and concerns over future monetary tightening. Japan’s core CPI for May jumped to its highest level in nearly two and a half years, while underlying inflation also hit a one-year peak. The data, alongside hawkish BOJ meeting minutes, fueled speculation that the central bank could raise rates as soon as July.
In contrast, tech-heavy Asian markets rebounded. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 1.1%, reaching a two-year high, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained 0.8% on revived risk sentiment. U.S. markets remained closed for the Juneteenth holiday, but S&P 500 Futures fell 0.3% in Asian trade, still weighed by the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tone and reduced rate cut projections for 2026.
China’s Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 inched up 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, showing muted response to the PBOC’s decision to keep its loan prime rate steady. However, expectations remain for further easing this year to combat sluggish growth.
Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.5%, while Singapore’s Straits Times rose 0.1%. India’s Gift Nifty 50 Futures edged up 0.2%, indicating a positive start for local markets.
Geopolitical tensions and central bank actions continue to drive regional sentiment, with investors closely watching inflation trends and monetary policy signals.
