Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
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 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
U.S. stocks closed higher Tuesday as easing geopolitical tensions and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell boosted investor sentiment. The Dow Jones rose 507 points (+1.2%), the S&P 500 gained 1.1%, and the Nasdaq climbed 1.4%.
Markets reacted positively to a ceasefire announcement between Israel and Iran. Former President Donald Trump declared on social media that the ceasefire was “in effect,” sparking optimism that the recent 12-day conflict had ended. However, uncertainty remains after Trump criticized both countries for post-deal aggression. Israel launched new strikes in Tehran, citing Iranian missile fire. Iran denied involvement, claiming Israel violated the ceasefire beyond its official start time.
Oil prices fell sharply as the ceasefire eased concerns of supply disruption and inflationary pressure, removing a key risk premium from crude markets.
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chair Powell’s testimony to Congress signaled that rate cuts remain possible. “Many paths are possible,” Powell said, noting that the Fed is waiting to assess the economic impact of rising tariffs. He warned tariffs may lift inflation temporarily, though effects could be short-lived.
Two Trump-appointed Fed governors have recently supported July rate cuts. Trump also pressed for aggressive easing, criticizing Powell publicly.
In corporate news, Tesla (TSLA) extended gains after launching its Robotaxi pilot program in Austin, Texas, using 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles. Chewy (CHWY) shares declined following its $1 billion stock offering and a $100 million buyback announcement. KB Home (KBH) dropped after cutting its full-year revenue guidance to $6.3–$6.5 billion, down from $6.6–$7 billion.
