Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
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.
