RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
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 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Dollar Maintains Stability Amid U.S. Jobs Report and Fed Speculation
The U.S. dollar held steady against major currencies on Friday as investors anticipated the latest U.S. nonfarm payrolls report. This report is expected to shed light on the economy's resilience ahead of the Federal Reserve's meeting and the tight U.S. presidential race next week.
Yen Gains as BOJ Hints at Future Rate Hikes
The Japanese yen maintained Thursday's gains after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) hinted at a potential shift away from its ultra-loose monetary stance. While the BOJ kept rates low, economists from Morgan Stanley MUFG suggest a December rate hike is now more likely, with a January increase to 0.5% remaining in their base case. Key factors such as yen-dollar exchange rates and upcoming inflation data may influence BOJ's decision.
U.S. Dollar Sees Monthly Gain
Despite a recent dip, the U.S. dollar logged its largest monthly gain since September 2022 in October, driven by tempered expectations for aggressive Fed rate cuts. The dollar index rose slightly to 103.94, while the yen traded at 152.18 per dollar.
Euro and Pound Under Pressure
The euro, hovering near a two-week high, was marginally lower at $1.0879 after data showed an unexpected rise in eurozone inflation. Meanwhile, the British pound faced selling pressure, trading at $1.2895, following Finance Minister Rachel Reeves's announcement of the largest tax hike since 1993.
China’s Manufacturing Rebounds
China’s manufacturing sector saw growth in October, with new orders boosting production. Additionally, home prices rose, suggesting economic stability despite global headwinds.
