Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
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 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
COP16 Biodiversity Summit Seeks Billions to Halt Nature Loss
The COP16 U.N. biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia, has reached a critical point, with delegates struggling to secure adequate funding to support global conservation goals. Although seven countries and one province pledged $163 million to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund on "Finance Day," the sum remains far from the billions required to halt biodiversity decline by 2030.
The shortfall in Global Biodiversity Funding
The 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework set ambitious goals, including a target for nations to conserve 30% of their land and sea territories by 2030. However, advocacy groups are concerned that the $400 million total in recent pledges is insufficient. Irene Wabiwa of Greenpeace expressed disappointment, noting that “we are expecting billions” to match the urgency of biodiversity threats.
Biodiversity Loss and Urgent Action Needed
With over 38% of tree species globally at risk of extinction due to deforestation, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) stresses immediate intervention. IUCN Director Grethel Aguilar called for urgent protection measures, warning that many species face an irreversible path without stronger conservation efforts.
Achieving the 30-by-30 Conservation Goal
Progress remains slow, with only 17.6% of land and 8.4% of marine areas currently protected, as noted by the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP Director Inger Andersen urged countries to prioritize high-value ecosystems for conservation, emphasizing that “nature cannot be put in a museum.”
As COP16 nears its conclusion, negotiators are hopeful for advancements in funding and Indigenous involvement in biodiversity initiatives.
