Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
Asian equities retreated on Thursday following disappointing Chinese economic data and a sharp drop in copper prices, while investors assessed a new trade deal between South Korea and the U.S. The dollar hovered near a two‑month high after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged and major U.S. tech firms posted strong earnings.
Nasdaq futures surged 1.2% and S&P 500 futures rose 0.8% after Microsoft and Meta reported stronger‑than‑expected revenue, driven by cloud computing and AI‑powered advertising. MSCI’s Asia‑Pacific index excluding Japan fell 0.7% but remained on track for a fourth straight monthly gain.
Chinese and Hong Kong stocks led losses as July PMI figures signaled slowing factory activity. Traders are now awaiting the Bank of Japan’s policy decision for clues on potential rate hikes. The Fed’s 9‑2 vote to hold rates steady marked the fifth consecutive meeting without a change, though Chair Jerome Powell’s comments dampened expectations for September cuts.
The dollar index stood at 98.81, close to Wednesday’s peak of 99.98, with a projected 3.1% monthly gain — its first rise in 2025. U.S. GDP beat forecasts in Q2 but showed underlying weakness amid trade policy uncertainty.
The Korean won firmed 0.3% after President Trump announced a 15% tariff on South Korean imports, paired with Seoul’s $350 billion U.S. investment pledge. Copper futures tumbled 19.4% after the U.S. confirmed a 50% tariff on pipes and wiring.
Oil prices extended gains for a fourth session, supported by supply concerns and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Brent crude traded at $73.48 a barrel, while WTI stood at $70.15.
Global markets remain volatile as investors navigate mixed economic signals, shifting trade policies, and central bank strategies.
