Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
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 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
New Zealand's inflation expectations rose to a one-year high in the second quarter, according to a Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) survey released Friday. The data comes as markets anticipate a potential interest rate cut when the central bank meets later this month.
The RBNZ's quarterly survey showed that two-year inflation expectations—considered a key gauge for when monetary policy changes affect consumer prices—rose to 2.29%, up from 2.06% in the first quarter. This figure remains within the RBNZ’s official inflation target range of 1% to 3%.
The survey, which polled 42 business leaders and professional forecasters, also revealed that annual inflation expectations for the year ahead increased to 2.41%, compared to 2.15% in the previous quarter. These rising forecasts reflect lingering price pressures in the economy, despite a slowdown in overall inflation from earlier peaks.
The central bank has held rates steady since its last hike in May 2023, maintaining the official cash rate at 5.5%. However, with recent signs of economic cooling and inflation expectations still anchored within the target range, some analysts believe the RBNZ may soon consider easing policy to support growth.
Market participants are closely watching the upcoming rate decision as they weigh the RBNZ’s balancing act between containing inflation and avoiding a deeper economic slowdown. Any shift in tone or policy stance could influence the New Zealand dollar and broader financial markets.
The latest inflation outlook suggests that while price pressures remain moderate, sentiment among forecasters is turning cautious, potentially setting the stage for a policy pivot in the coming months.
