U.S. Stock Futures Rise Ahead of Holiday-Shortened Week as AI Optimism Lifts Tech 
Why U.S. Coffee Prices Are Staying High Despite Trump’s Tariff Rollbacks 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Global Demand for Yuan Loans and Bonds Surges as China Pushes Currency Internationalization 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Dollar Maintains Weekly Gains
Asian currencies weakened on Friday, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar. The dollar's rise is driven by expectations of slower interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, setting the stage for a fourth consecutive week of gains.
Japanese Yen Steadies Amid Election and Intervention Concerns
The Japanese yen hovered near a three-month low at ¥152 against the dollar. Traders remain cautious ahead of Japan's general election this weekend. Polls suggest the ruling Liberal Democratic Party may struggle to secure a majority, which could limit Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ability to enact further economic reforms.
Japan’s government has also issued warnings about possible currency intervention due to the yen’s recent weakness, which has contributed to market volatility.
Dollar's Strength Pressures Asian Currencies
The dollar index remained strong, gaining about 0.6% this week. In addition to Federal Reserve policy, the dollar is supported by speculation that Donald Trump may win the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which could lead to inflationary policies and higher long-term interest rates.
This scenario has weighed on most Asian currencies, with the Chinese yuan rising by 0.1% and the South Korean won surging by 0.7%. The Australian dollar fell by 0.3%, while the Indian rupee remained near record lows.
