Asian Markets Slip Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions and RBA Rate Hike Expectations 
Japan Tech Stocks Surge as AI Optimism Lifts SoftBank, Chipmakers 
Oil Prices Slide as Middle East Tensions Ease and U.S. Crude Inventories Shrink 
Wall Street Futures Slip After Record Rally Fueled by Iran Peace Hopes and AMD Surge 
Dollar Weakens as Iran Peace Hopes Boost Risk Appetite and Yen Gains Strength 
Australia Posts Surprise Trade Deficit as Imports Surge on AI Equipment Demand 
European Stocks Volatile as U.S.-Iran Tensions Threaten Oil Supply and Global Markets 
Household spending in Japan fell for the ninth consecutive month during the period of November, following stagnancy in the country’s labor market and weak wages. The economy continues to struggle with stubborn deflation, indicating the challenge Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government faces in rejuvenating the economy.
The average of household spending in Japan was down 1.5 percent on year in November, data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications showed Tuesday, standing at 270,848 yen. That follows the 0.4 percent decline in October.
The average of monthly income per household stood at 432,415 yen, up 1.0 percent on year, while the average of consumption expenditures per household was 294,019 yen, down an annual 0.9 percent.
Meanwhile, the USD/JPY traded at 117.34, up 0.21 percent, while at 5:00GMT, the FxWirePro's Hourly Yen Strength Index remained highly bullish at 118.11 (a reading above +75 indicates a bullish trend, while that below -75 a bearish trend). For more details, visit http://www.fxwirepro.com/currencyindex
