Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
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 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Vietnam will officially raise its 2025 GDP growth target to 8.0%, up from the previous 6.5%-7.0% range, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung announced. The country, a key manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, recorded 7.09% GDP growth last year, ranking among Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Vietnam’s exports and imports are projected to grow 12% in 2025, with a trade surplus expected to reach $30 billion. Industrial manufacturing and foreign direct investment (FDI) will be the main drivers of economic expansion. FDI inflows are anticipated to hit $28 billion, while domestic retail sales are also forecasted to rise 12%.
Despite strong economic momentum, Vietnam faces challenges, including inflation control and macroeconomic stability. Inflation is expected to range between 4.5% and 5.0% this year. The revised GDP growth target is pending parliamentary approval.
Vietnam’s booming economy continues to attract foreign investors, strengthening its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.
