Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
U.S. Dollar Strengthens
The US Dollar extended its bullish trend, supported by US Treasury yields which surged past the 4.3% level.
Housing Market Insights
The S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index Composite-20 showed a year-over-year increase of 5.2% in October 2024, surpassing the forecast of 4.9% but lower than last year's 5.9% rise. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index also saw a significant rebound, jumping to 108.7 in October from 99.2 in September, marking the strongest monthly gain since March 2021.
Trump's Crypto Ambitions
Donald Trump is embracing cryptocurrency, aiming to make the U.S. a leading hub for digital currencies. He is also planning to remove SEC Chair Gary Gensler, who has faced criticism from crypto supporters. He is accepting campaign donations in cryptocurrencies, appealing to crypto enthusiasts, while analysts anticipate that a Trump victory could boost Bitcoin's value.
Currency Performance Overview
The British Pound is holding strong as the U.S. Dollar rises, remaining the only major currency that is sturdy. The Australian Dollar and Swiss Franc are struggling, with traders awaiting key inflation data that may influence the Reserve Bank of Australia's policy. The Japanese Yen remains weak, with officials closely monitoring the USD/JPY rate as it approaches the important level of 155.
