Bank of Japan Warns of Regional Economic Risks Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Oil Prices 
Bank of America Maintains Forecast for Two Fed Rate Cuts in 2026 Despite Inflation Risks 
RBNZ Holds Rates at 2.25% as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation Concerns 
Australia Bans Card Payment Surcharges Starting October 2025 
Japan Inflation Expectations Rise as BOJ Rate Hike Timing Faces Uncertainty 
RBI Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Middle East Tensions and Global Uncertainty 
Stock Futures Dip as S&P 500, Nasdaq Hit Record Highs Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions 
New Zealand Economy Faces Short-Term Pressure but Recovery Remains on Track 
Bank of Korea Governor Nominee Warns of Action if Korean Won Weakens Further 
Foreign Investors Drive Surge in Japanese Stocks Amid AI Rally and Improved Risk Sentiment 
Sizable numbers of economic data and events scheduled for this week but all with low to medium risks associated.
Data released so far:
- United Kingdom: BRC shop price index rose by 1 percent in December.
- Australia: Retail sales rose by 0.2 percent in November.
- China: Consumer price index rose by 2.1 percent y/y in December and producer price index rose by 5.5 percent y/y.
- Japan: Consumer confidence improved to 43.1 in December.
Upcoming:
- France: Industrial output data for November will be published at 7:45 GMT.
- United States: NFIB business optimism index for December will be announced at 11:00 GMT, followed by Redbook index at 13:55 GMT, and JOLTS jobs report at 15:00 GMT along with TIPP economic optimism.
- Canada: Housing starts figure will be released at 13:15 GMT, followed by building permits data at 13:30 GMT.
- Auctions: US will auction 1-month bills at 16:30 GMT and 3-year notes at 18:00 GMT.
