U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Boeing Machinists to Vote on New Contract Proposal Amidst Five-Week Strike
Unionized Boeing machinists, who have been on strike for five weeks, will vote Wednesday on a new contract proposal offering a 35% pay hike over four years. This could bring an end to the costly work stoppage that has affected Boeing’s production lines and strained its finances.
Strike Background and Proposal Details
Since September 13, around 33,000 workers in Washington state and other West Coast locations have halted production of Boeing’s 737 MAX, 767, and 777 models. The new proposal includes a $7,000 ratification bonus, enhanced 401(k) retirement contributions with a one-time $5,000 boost, and an incentive plan.
Boeing has expressed optimism about the vote, stating, "We look forward to our employees voting on the negotiated proposal." However, union members had previously rejected a similar offer, pushing for a 40% wage increase and the return of defined-benefit pensions.
Industry-Wide Impact
The strike has impacted Boeing's suppliers, with Spirit AeroSystems announcing furloughs. Pressure from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who participated in the negotiations, adds urgency to reach an agreement.
While the new offer seems favorable, some older workers remain dissatisfied due to the absence of pension restoration. A final decision on the contract will be made by the workers, as noted by a White House spokesperson, stating that President Biden supports the collective bargaining process.
