Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran drove safe-haven demand, with investors bracing for key central bank decisions this week. Fears of a broader regional conflict intensified after Israel’s surprise attack on Friday led to the suspension of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Analysts warn that Iran may attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route, posing broader economic risks.
The dollar rose 0.14% to 144.3 yen, while the euro slipped 0.14% to $1.1534. The greenback was steady against the Swiss franc at 0.81, and the dollar index held firm at 98.25. Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars saw marginal gains. Despite recent gains, analysts remain cautious on the dollar’s longer-term trajectory, especially if the Federal Reserve signals a dovish stance.
Brown Brothers Harriman’s Win Thin noted that the dollar’s safe-haven status may be tested, particularly amid weakening U.S. fundamentals. Markets expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday, with investors closely watching for comments on slowing economic growth and persistent inflation risks. Chris Weston of Pepperstone said the Fed's growth forecast will likely shift downward, keeping its policy tone neutral.
The Bank of Japan is also expected to maintain rates on Tuesday, though it may begin scaling back bond purchases next fiscal year. Central banks in the UK, Sweden, and Norway are also set to announce policy updates this week.
In commodities, gold climbed 0.22% to $3,435.5 an ounce, nearing April’s record high. Longer-dated U.S. Treasuries dipped slightly after Friday’s gains, reflecting market caution over potential inflationary effects from ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
