Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
The U.S. dollar held steady on Thursday, shrugging off weak domestic data as markets turned hopeful over signs of easing global trade tensions. Despite suffering its steepest monthly decline in over two years through April, the greenback regained ground as President Donald Trump hinted at potential trade deals with China, India, South Korea, and Japan.
In early Asian trading, the dollar rose 0.5% against both the euro and the pound, reaching $1.1328 per euro and $1.3323 per pound. It also climbed to 142.93 yen. Analysts see this as a short-term boost driven by speculation of de-escalating trade disputes. Richard Franulovich of Westpac noted, “We’re in a window here where we’re on a de-escalation path.”
Trump’s comments followed a statement by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who clarified that no formal trade talks with China are currently underway. Meanwhile, U.S. data revealed a surprise GDP contraction in Q1, largely due to a surge in imports ahead of tariff hikes. Yet, economists highlighted resilience in private consumption.
Investors are awaiting key U.S. jobless claims and ISM manufacturing data, but the spotlight is on Friday’s April jobs report, expected to show a hiring slowdown to 130,000. Market focus also turns to the Bank of Japan’s policy meeting, as uncertainty around the U.S.-Japan trade relationship and global economic conditions cloud Japan’s interest rate trajectory. No changes are expected, but any dovish signals could weaken the yen further.
The Australian dollar edged up 0.2% to $0.6413 following slightly higher-than-expected inflation data, while the New Zealand dollar remained stable at $0.5940, both showing resilience within their trading ranges.
