Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
ECB Rate Cuts: A Historic Move
Traders increased their bets on rapid European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts after the bank announced its first consecutive cuts in 13 years. On Thursday, the ECB lowered its deposit rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.25%, following a similar move in September. This marks the first back-to-back cut since 2011.
Economic Outlook and ECB Policy
A deteriorating economic outlook and signs of controlled inflation prompted the ECB's decision. Policymakers emphasized their commitment to a data-driven approach, stating they would maintain restrictive monetary policy as necessary.
Market Reactions and Predictions
With ECB President Christine Lagarde facing minimal pushback, traders are increasingly pricing in a 29 bps cut for the upcoming December meeting. Some analysts anticipate the possibility of a more substantial 50 bps cut, given the current economic conditions.
Euro's Performance and Future Risks
The euro fell to $1.0811, its lowest point since early August. As traders predict 160 bps of cuts by the end of 2025, eurozone government bonds have shown resilience, outperforming U.S. Treasuries in October. However, the euro remains vulnerable, especially with uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Conclusion
The ECB's recent rate cuts reflect a significant shift in monetary policy amid economic challenges. As traders adjust their expectations, the euro and eurozone markets face ongoing scrutiny.
