Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
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 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Global stocks fell for the first time in three sessions on Wednesday as renewed tariff concerns weighed on investor sentiment. The U.S. dollar climbed, and Wall Street saw a sharp sell-off led by tech stocks, ahead of a press conference from President Donald Trump, who confirmed incoming auto tariffs.
The Dow Jones fell 132.71 points (0.31%) to 42,454.79, the S&P 500 dropped 64.45 points (1.12%) to 5,712.20, and the Nasdaq plunged 372.84 points (2.04%) to 17,899.02. The declines ended a three-day winning streak and put U.S. indexes on track for back-to-back monthly losses for the first time since October 2023.
Durable goods orders unexpectedly rose 0.9% in February, driven by a rush to secure metals ahead of expected tariffs, defying forecasts of a 1% drop. Trump also announced 25% secondary tariffs on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil.
Investor confidence remains shaky. “The likelihood that April 2 will bring policy clarity is low,” said Matt Stucky of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management, suggesting more trade-related headlines are likely.
The dollar index rose 0.33% to 104.56, with the euro slipping to $1.0751 and the yen weakening to 150.55 per dollar. Sterling dropped to $1.2885 after UK inflation data missed expectations and the finance minister scaled back spending plans.
MSCI’s global stock index fell 0.92% to 845.65, while Europe’s STOXX 600 shed 0.7%, despite optimism around German stimulus measures.
U.S. 10-year Treasury yields climbed to 4.333% amid strong demand for five-year notes. Fed officials reiterated caution on rate cuts due to economic uncertainty.
Oil prices rose, with U.S. crude up 0.94% to $69.65 and Brent gaining 1.05% to $73.79, supported by falling inventories and concerns over global supply amid U.S. threats of sanctions on Venezuelan crude buyers.
