Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Dollar Strengthens Amid Fed Rate Uncertainty and Middle East Tensions
The US dollar surged to a seven-week high against major currencies, driven by evolving expectations for US interest rates and rising tensions in the Middle East. A robust US jobs report last week reduced the likelihood of significant Federal Reserve rate cuts, influencing market sentiment.
Fed Rate Cut Expectations Shift
Investors have adjusted their predictions for Federal Reserve rate cuts. According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets now see an 86% probability of a 25 basis points (bps) cut in November, with December easing expectations lowered to 50 bps from over 70 bps a week prior. This shift has strengthened the dollar against the euro, yen, and sterling.
Forex Market Trends
The dollar index, which measures the USD against major currencies, stood at 102.41, slightly below Friday's seven-week high of 102.69. Traders are factoring in a "no landing" scenario, with strong economic data supporting a cautious Fed approach to rate cuts.
Global Currency Movements
The euro traded at $1.0981, while the pound was at $1.3095, both near recent lows. The yen, which fell to a seven-week low of 149.10 per dollar, recovered slightly to 147.795 following remarks from Japanese officials expressing caution over future rate hikes.
Looking Ahead
Investor focus will now turn to the upcoming US inflation report and the Federal Reserve’s September meeting minutes, as well as key monetary policy decisions from New Zealand and China's reopening after the holidays.
