Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Yen Near Lows as Markets Await Bank of Japan Rate Decision, Euro Slips After ECB Signals Caution 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
EU Delays Mercosur Free Trade Agreement Signing Amid Ukraine War Funding Talks 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
The U.S. dollar strengthened on Friday as escalating global trade tensions and economic slowdown fears weighed on markets. The euro slipped to $1.0847, retreating further from Tuesday’s five-month peak, as a trade dispute between the U.S. and EU intensified.
President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol imports, following the EU’s plans to impose levies on American whiskey in response to recent U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. The ongoing trade friction fueled uncertainty, pushing investors toward safe-haven assets like U.S. Treasuries, while the S&P 500 tumbled into correction territory.
The dollar index rose 0.1% to 103.95, extending its two-day gain, while the yen weakened to 148.32 per dollar. Japan’s wage negotiation results, expected later in the day, could influence the Bank of Japan’s interest rate stance, though policymakers are likely to remain cautious at next week’s meeting.
The pound hovered around $1.2945, awaiting UK GDP data, after retreating from Wednesday’s high of $1.2990. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar steadied at $0.6284, and the New Zealand dollar edged up 0.1% to $0.5702.
Bitcoin gained 1.32% to $81,410.36, continuing its recent uptrend amid broader market volatility.
Adding to economic concerns, a potential U.S. government shutdown looms. However, Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer signaled support for a Republican funding bill, easing some uncertainty.
As global markets navigate economic risks and policy shifts, investors remain cautious, awaiting key economic data and trade developments.
