Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
The U.S. dollar weakened to near a two-month low during early Asian trading on Tuesday, as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of several high-impact economic releases, most notably the delayed U.S. employment reports. The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, slipped 0.2% to 98.261, hovering close to its weakest level since October 17. Currency markets remained subdued as traders awaited fresh signals on the health of the U.S. economy and the future path of Federal Reserve interest rates.
Attention is firmly on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is set to publish combined U.S. jobs data for October and November after prolonged delays caused by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. These figures are expected to provide clarity on labor market conditions during the shutdown period. Analysts believe the data could influence near-term dollar sentiment, especially after the Federal Reserve recently signaled a more cautious policy outlook. According to CME Group’s FedWatch tool, markets are pricing in a 75.6% probability that the Fed will keep rates unchanged at its January 28 meeting.
Beyond U.S. data, global monetary policy developments are also shaping foreign exchange markets. Several central banks are scheduled to announce rate decisions this week. The Bank of Japan is widely expected to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to 0.75%, while the Bank of England could cut rates by the same margin to 3.75%. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank, Sweden’s Riksbank, and Norway’s Norges Bank are all anticipated to hold rates steady.
In currency trading, the dollar edged 0.1% lower against the Japanese yen to 155.07. The euro held firm near $1.17535 amid optimism surrounding progress in Ukraine peace talks, while the British pound remained flat at $1.3376. The dollar also stayed near recent lows against the offshore Chinese yuan at 7.0371. Commodity-linked currencies such as the Australian and New Zealand dollars posted modest gains, supported by expectations that both central banks are done cutting rates.
Cryptocurrency markets saw limited upside, with Bitcoin rising slightly to around $86,420 and Ethereum edging higher near $2,964, reflecting a cautious but stable risk sentiment among investors.
