Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
The euro edged closer to its strongest level in nearly four years on Thursday, buoyed by optimism over new trade agreements between the United States and key partners, including the European Union and Japan. The potential U.S.-EU deal may feature a 15% baseline tariff on EU goods with possible exemptions, according to European diplomats. This follows Washington’s agreement with Tokyo, which reduces auto tariffs and secures a $550 billion package of U.S.-bound investment and loans.
Global markets responded positively, with investors shifting away from the U.S. dollar and risk-sensitive currencies rallying. The Australian dollar climbed to an eight-month high of $0.6604, while the euro traded at $1.1768, near the $1.1830 peak hit earlier this month, marking its highest level in over three years. The U.S. dollar slipped 0.03% against the yen to 146.38, extending its decline for a fourth session despite Japan’s ongoing political uncertainty following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s denial of resignation rumors after an election defeat.
Sterling held firm at $1.3582, while the New Zealand dollar hovered at $0.6046. The U.S. dollar index remained steady at 97.21.
Beyond trade negotiations, market focus has shifted to the European Central Bank’s upcoming rate decision. While no immediate policy change is expected, investors are watching closely for signals on future monetary easing, with another rate cut anticipated by December. The recent trade breakthroughs and potential ECB actions are shaping currency market dynamics, reinforcing risk appetite amid easing geopolitical tensions.
