Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Canada Signals Delay in US Tariff Deal as Talks Shift to USMCA Review 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
BOJ Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Japan Signals Shift Toward Monetary Normalization 
Japan Inflation Holds Firm in November as BOJ Nears Key Rate Hike Decision 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Austan Goolsbee Signals Potential for More Fed Rate Cuts as Inflation Shows Improvement 
Oil Prices Steady in Asia but Headed for Weekly Loss on Supply Glut Concerns 
Asian Markets Rebound as Tech Rally Lifts Wall Street, Investors Brace for BOJ Rate Hike 
Precious Metals Rally as Silver and Platinum Outperform on Rate Cut Bets 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
New Zealand Business Confidence Hits 30-Year High as Economic Outlook Improves 
Oil Prices Climb on Venezuela Blockade, Russia Sanctions Fears, and Supply Risks 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Spending Fears and Global Central Bank Decisions Weigh on Markets 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
The S&P 500 surged Friday, led by tech stocks, but still marked its fourth straight weekly loss amid trade war concerns and a sharp drop in consumer sentiment. The Dow Jones gained 674 points (1.7%), the S&P 500 rose 2%, and the NASDAQ climbed 2.6%.
NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) jumped over 5%, aiming to break a three-week losing streak. Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) soared 13% on strong Q4 results, while Semtech (NASDAQ: SMTC) surged 21% after upbeat Q1 guidance.
Consumer sentiment plunged to its lowest level since November 2022, with the University of Michigan’s index dropping to 57.9 from 64.7, well below expectations. Inflation fears intensified as one-year inflation expectations spiked to 4.9%, marking three consecutive months of sharp increases. Long-term inflation expectations also jumped to 3.9%, the biggest monthly rise since 1993.
Trade war concerns escalated after former President Donald Trump threatened a 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, retaliating against the EU’s 50% tariff on American whiskey. Investors worry this could fuel inflation and slow economic growth.
Meanwhile, a government shutdown appears to have been averted as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer backed a Republican-crafted funding bill.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) rose 3.9% after reports it plans to launch a more affordable Model Y in China to defend its market share. The EV giant has faced challenges, including a 30% stock decline this month, backlash over Elon Musk’s Dogecoin involvement, and protests at dealerships. Concerns also persist over trade war-related tariffs impacting Tesla’s business.
With inflation worries mounting, Federal Reserve hawkishness, and trade tensions intensifying, market volatility is expected to remain high.
