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 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Global Central Bank Decisions as Yen, Sterling and Euro React 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
BoE Set to Cut Rates as UK Inflation Slows, but Further Easing Likely Limited 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Micron Earnings Boost AI Sentiment Ahead of CPI Data 
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 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Yen Struggles as Japan Faces Political Shift
The Japanese yen hovered near a three-month low on Tuesday following a loss of parliamentary majority for Japan's ruling coalition in recent elections. This shift has created political uncertainty, with potential implications for Japan’s fiscal and monetary policies. The yen rose slightly to 153.12 per dollar but remained weak, pressured by uncertainty surrounding the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito coalition's inability to secure a majority.
Carol Kong, a currency strategist at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, noted, “Risks lean toward looser fiscal policy under the new government.” With strong U.S. economic indicators and heightened market volatility, the Bank of Japan (BOJ) may delay rate adjustments, potentially weakening the yen further.
Dollar Stands Firm Awaiting Key U.S. Economic Data
The dollar softened marginally yet remained close to recent highs, bolstered by strong U.S. economic data and investor speculation regarding a potential Trump election victory. The dollar index remained stable at 104.28, aiming for its strongest monthly performance in over two years.
This week’s anticipated U.S. economic releases include the core personal consumption expenditures price index on Thursday and nonfarm payroll data on Friday. “These figures could impact the dollar if they deviate from expectations,” remarked Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.
Global Currency Movements
Meanwhile, the euro and sterling made slight gains, trading at $1.0816 and $1.2976, respectively, while the Australian dollar fell to its lowest in over two months.
