Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
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 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Stock Futures Stabilize After Record Highs on Wall Street
U.S. stock index futures stabilized on Thursday evening following another day of record highs on Wall Street, as markets digested the Federal Reserve's outlook on future rate cuts.
Market Reactions to Trump’s 2024 Victory and Fed’s Rate Cut
Wall Street continued to surge after Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 presidential election, which could bring expansionary policies in the coming years. Positive earnings reports, along with a drop in the dollar and Treasury yields, contributed to the upbeat market sentiment.
By 18:20 ET (23:20 GMT), S&P 500 Futures held steady at 6,006 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures dipped slightly to 21,216.25 points. Dow Jones Futures remained flat at 43,933 points.
Federal Reserve Cuts Rates and Signals Cautious Outlook
The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.5% to 4.75%, aligning with expectations. Despite this, Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the results of the presidential election would not impact near-term monetary policy. Powell emphasized a data-driven approach to any future rate cuts, highlighting that inflation was cooling, while economic growth remained strong.
Markets are pricing in a 76.1% chance of another 25-basis-point rate cut in December, with a 23.9% chance of rates staying unchanged, according to CME Fedwatch.
Wall Street Continues to Rally Post-Trump Victory
The S&P 500 rose 0.7% to a record 5,973.10 points, while the NASDAQ Composite gained 1.5% to a new high of 19,269.36 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained flat at 43,729.34 points but stayed close to its record high.
Trump’s election victory, alongside a potential Republican sweep of Congress, suggests fewer obstacles to major policy reforms, with expectations of looser fiscal policies and a strengthened dollar.
