South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Azerbaijan Hosts COP29 Summit Amid Climate Urgency
The U.N. climate summit, COP29, opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, with countries aiming to reach a crucial deal for $1 trillion in annual climate finance for developing nations. With the expiration of the $100 billion pledge this year, the focus is on securing new funding commitments to combat the escalating impacts of climate change.
However, economic concerns, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the re-election of climate change skeptic Donald Trump in the U.S. complicate negotiations. Azerbaijan, hosting COP29, faces the challenge of maintaining focus on climate finance while managing its role as a major oil producer. Despite a decrease in oil revenue dependency, Azerbaijan aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance and increase its renewable energy capacity to 35% by 2030.
China, representing the BASIC group (Brazil, India, South Africa), has proposed that trade disputes, such as the EU’s carbon border tariffs set for 2026, be addressed at the summit. This move signals China’s growing influence, particularly as the U.S. may disengage from global climate cooperation under Trump's leadership. The EU, along with President Biden’s administration, has pressed countries like China and Gulf oil nations to contribute to climate finance efforts.
As climate extremes, including floods and droughts, ravage the globe, urgent action is needed. "The impacts of climate change will continue to intensify unless countries unite to take bold steps," warned Kaveh Guilanpour of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.
In Baku, Azerbaijan pushes for gas as a transitional energy source, despite criticism from environmental groups, with the country’s gas exports to Europe expected to rise this year. The nation also proposes a $1 billion Climate Finance Action Fund to support global climate efforts.
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