Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian stocks mostly advanced on Wednesday, led by gains in Chinese markets, as optimism grew over a potential U.S.-China trade framework. Investors cheered reports that upcoming negotiations could ease U.S. curbs on tech exports to China, although details remain limited.
The Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 rose 1%, and the Shanghai Composite gained 0.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed 0.9%. The positive sentiment followed two days of high-level trade talks in London, where officials announced a framework agreement that may improve bilateral relations. U.S. representatives hinted the deal could lead to reduced restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports, though no firm commitments were made.
Despite the upbeat tone, U.S. S&P 500 Futures dipped in Asian trading after a court allowed Trump-era tariffs to remain in place. Focus in the U.S. also shifted to the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data, a key market driver.
Asian technology stocks rallied, particularly those in the semiconductor sector, on hopes that easing chip export controls will revive China’s role as a major market. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.6% to an 11-month high, driven by a 3% jump in SK Hynix shares. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.4%, while the broader TOPIX was flat amid economic uncertainty and Bank of Japan rate policy concerns.
Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.3%, with Johns Lyng Group surging over 20% after a takeover bid from Pacific Equity Partners. Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 0.4% on profit-taking in bank stocks, while India’s Gift Nifty 50 Futures slipped 0.1%, signaling a tepid market open.
Overall, investor enthusiasm was tempered by the lack of concrete trade deal specifics, limiting broader market gains.
