Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Gold Prices Dip as Markets Absorb Dovish Fed Outlook; Silver Eases After Record High 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
US Signals Openness to New Trade Deal as Brazil Shows Willingness, Says USTR Greer 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Zeekr’s Australian Market Entry
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr has officially commenced sales of its first model in Australia, aiming to expand its footprint in the Oceania market. This launch marks the beginning of its ambitious plans for 2024, with a second model also slated for release in New Zealand.
Promising Start with the Zeekr X
Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia, reported a positive response to their Zeekr X SUV, noting over 2,500 expressions of interest for both the X and the multi-purpose 009 model. This demonstrates the growing consumer demand for innovative EV options in Australia.
The Appeal of the Australian EV Market
Despite being a smaller market globally, with 1.2 million vehicles sold in 2023, Australia presents a lucrative opportunity for Chinese automakers. The absence of a local car manufacturing industry and minimal protectionist policies make it an attractive destination. Moreover, the Australian government has actively promoted electric vehicle adoption since 2022 to achieve its zero emissions targets.
Future Plans and Growth Potential
Zeekr is optimistic about making Oceania one of its largest overseas markets, alongside Southeast Asia and Latin America. With new vehicle efficiency standards set to take effect in 2025, the demand for EVs is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, Zeekr plans to introduce another medium-sized SUV, the 7X, in Australia next year, further solidifying its commitment to this market.
