Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
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.
