Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
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.
