Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
The U.S. dollar remained weak near a five-month low against major currencies on Wednesday, weighed down by ongoing concerns over the U.S. economy and uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The dollar index hovered at 103.47 after sliding 0.46% on Tuesday to a five-month low of 103.21. Weaker U.S. economic data, including a decline in small-business confidence for the third straight month, heightened recession fears. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which could spark market volatility.
"The market faces a lose-lose situation," said Julien Lafargue, chief strategist at Barclays Private Bank. "A strong CPI could fuel stagflation concerns, while a weak reading may solidify recession fears."
The euro edged down 0.05% to $1.0913 but remained close to a five-month high of $1.0947. Optimism over a potential Ukraine ceasefire and Germany’s fiscal spending plans have supported the currency, though internal political hurdles persist. Meanwhile, the British pound slipped 0.11% to $1.2933 after a strong rally on Tuesday.
The Japanese yen weakened to 148.01 per dollar, recovering from Tuesday’s five-month high of 146.545. The Canadian dollar also saw turbulence following Trump’s tariff policy reversal on steel and aluminum. Traders now await the Bank of Canada’s rate decision, widely expected to bring a 0.25% cut.
Bitcoin stabilized at $82,821 after rebounding from a four-month low of $76,666.98.
With trade uncertainties and economic concerns mounting, market volatility is set to continue as investors seek clarity on U.S. growth prospects.
