Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Bank of Japan’s Upcoming Rate Decision: Insights and Key Takeaways
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is concluding a two-day policy meeting this Thursday. This review follows a recent election loss for Japan’s ruling coalition, intensifying political uncertainties that could affect BOJ’s monetary policy decisions.
Is a Rate Hike on the Horizon?
Earlier in 2024, the BOJ ended negative interest rates and raised its short-term policy target to 0.25%. While inflation currently sits at 2%, the central bank remains cautious about further rate increases. BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda has emphasized the need to monitor global economic risks, including the U.S. market, before any additional hikes. As a result, experts predict a steady rate outcome in October, with BOJ preferring policy stability until Japan’s political direction becomes clearer.
Key Signals for Market Observers
The BOJ's quarterly report will detail its latest economic and inflation projections, providing potential clues for future rate actions. Analysts believe inflation will likely hover around the 2% target until at least March 2027, meeting the conditions for potential hikes but not guaranteeing them. Additionally, Ueda's post-meeting briefing on Thursday may offer guidance on the BOJ's stance, especially concerning Japan’s currency depreciation, which affects import costs and inflation.
Next Steps in Rate Hikes
The BOJ’s next meetings are scheduled for December and January. While most economists anticipate a rate hike by March, factors like wage growth, global demand, and Japan’s political climate could influence the timing.
