Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
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 Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
The U.S. dollar edged higher on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and investor caution ahead of major central bank meetings kept most currencies range-bound. Market sentiment remained risk-averse, with attention turning to the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the U.S. Federal Reserve.
The BOJ is expected to maintain interest rates at its policy meeting, while investors await comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda regarding inflation and potential adjustments to bond-buying. The yen slightly strengthened to 144.70 per dollar, recovering modestly after earlier losses.
Carol Kong, currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, noted the BOJ’s role as the next key market driver, especially amid Japan’s inflation and trade concerns. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s recent tariff discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump ended without agreement, according to Fuji TV.
Meanwhile, the dollar gained on safe-haven demand as tensions escalated between Iran and Israel. Trump’s early departure from the G7 summit and his call for evacuation from Tehran underscored the crisis. Still, DBS analysts said global spillover risk remains “manageable” for now.
The risk-sensitive Australian dollar fell 0.27% to $0.6507, while the New Zealand dollar slipped 0.17% to $0.6049. The euro dipped 0.1% to $1.1545, and the British pound declined 0.09% to $1.3563. The U.S. dollar index edged up to 98.23.
Looking ahead, the Fed’s policy decision on Wednesday is the week’s major event. While rates are expected to remain steady, investors will focus on the dot plot and economic projections for clues on future policy. Ronald Temple of Lazard predicts no rate cuts this year, diverging from market expectations of two.
Trump also signed a deal to reduce certain tariffs on British imports, advancing U.S.-UK trade negotiations.
