China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
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 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Australia’s sovereign wealth vehicle, the Future Fund, reported a sharp rise in value, reaching A$252 billion (US$166.2 billion) as of June 30, 2025. The increase was driven by stronger allocations to developed markets and equities, while property and credit exposure were scaled back.
The fund delivered a 12.2% return for the year, more than double its government-mandated target of 6.1%. Chief Executive Raphael Arndt said the strategy included taking on more “structural risk” to boost long-term growth, alongside increasing exposure to developed market currencies and commodities such as gold.
Developed markets remain the largest driver of growth. The Future Fund lifted investments in the sector to A$65.13 billion, representing a quarter of the total portfolio, compared to A$46.83 billion in 2024. Australian equities also rose to A$27.2 billion from A$23.1 billion, reflecting stronger performance in the domestic market.
At the same time, the fund reduced its exposure to property and credit. Real estate holdings fell from A$12 billion to A$11.1 billion, while credit investments declined to A$22.4 billion from A$24.82 billion.
The Future Fund’s performance underscores a strategic shift toward higher-return opportunities in developed markets while trimming areas facing economic headwinds. By doubling its target return, the fund highlighted its role as a resilient cornerstone of Australia’s financial security, ensuring future generations benefit from disciplined investment strategies and global market diversification.
With its latest update, the Future Fund reinforces its position among the world’s leading sovereign wealth funds, balancing growth ambitions with risk management as it adapts to shifting economic conditions.
