Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Japan’s Finance Minister Signals Alignment With BOJ as Rate Hike Speculation Grows 
Asian Currencies Steady as Markets Await Fed Rate Decision; Indian Rupee Hits New Record Low 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Trump Administration Plans Major Rollback of Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards 
South Korea Inflation Edges Up in November as Food and Service Costs Climb 
Japan’s Service Sector Sustains Growth Momentum in November 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
RBA Signals Possible Rate Implications as Inflation Proves More Persistent 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Oil Prices Rise as Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Risks Intensify 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Oil Prices Slip as Russia-Ukraine Peace Hopes Fade and Oversupply Fears Grow 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
U.S. Soybean Shipments to China Gain Momentum as Trade Tensions Ease 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Asian stocks opened the final month of 2025 on a steady note, supported by growing optimism over potential U.S. interest rate cuts. The yen strengthened in early trading as investors closely monitored comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, who said the central bank will weigh the “pros and cons” of a rate hike at its upcoming December policy meeting. His remarks briefly lifted the yen to 155.64 per dollar, keeping currency markets on alert as speculation over Japan’s next move intensifies.
MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan held near 703.19, up 23.5% this year and on track for its strongest annual performance since 2017. Japan’s Nikkei slipped 1.3% in early trade, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced more than 1%, helping lift broader regional sentiment. U.S. stock futures were softer during Asian hours, signaling some caution ahead of key economic data releases.
Analysts say improving risk appetite is driving investors into December with a positive bias. Chris Weston of Pepperstone noted that fading market fears have given way to concerns about missing out on potential gains. This week’s U.S. economic calendar—covering manufacturing, services, and consumer sentiment—could shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next steps. Markets are currently pricing in an 87% chance of a rate cut later this month, bolstered by recent dovish comments from policymakers.
Holiday shopping data is also in focus after U.S. consumers spent a record $11.8 billion online on Black Friday, a 9.1% increase from last year, according to Adobe Analytics. Meanwhile, the yen’s recent volatility and fiscal concerns under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have kept Japan’s currency near intervention levels, prompting repeated warnings from officials.
In commodities, oil prices inched higher after OPEC+ opted to maintain current output levels for the first quarter of 2026. Brent crude rose to $63.03 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded at $59.16, both up nearly 1% as traders weighed supply risks against weakening demand.
