Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip After CPI-Fueled Rally as Markets Weigh Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
The S&P 500 surged 1.1% on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged and maintained its forecast for two rate cuts in 2024, despite acknowledging persistent inflation. The Dow Jones rose 383 points (0.9%), while the NASDAQ gained 1.4%.
The Fed kept rates in the 4.25%-4.5% range, with projections showing a decline to 3.9% by year-end, unchanged from December. Inflation forecasts increased, but Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggested weaker economic growth might offset rising prices. Powell emphasized that while sentiment indicators softened, economic fundamentals, including the labor market, remain strong.
Tesla jumped over 4% after securing an initial regulatory approval for its robotaxi service in California. The California Public Utilities Commission granted the company a transportation permit, a crucial step toward launching autonomous ride services.
Boeing soared 7% as CFO Brian West highlighted improved operations. Meanwhile, Nvidia climbed more than 2% after CEO Jensen Huang downplayed concerns over tariff impacts.
General Mills, however, fell 2% after forecasting a significant decline in sales and profit due to increased competition from lower-cost private label brands.
Despite inflation concerns, analysts believe the Fed will prioritize labor market stability over short-term price increases. Investors remain optimistic about the central bank’s rate-cut timeline, fueling market gains.
