U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
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 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian stock markets rose slightly on Monday while the euro gained, after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed his proposed 50% tariffs on European Union goods to July 9. The extension, announced after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, offered a temporary reprieve and fueled cautious optimism in global markets.
MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan inched up 0.12%, and Japan’s Nikkei traded slightly higher. Trading volumes remained light with U.S. and UK markets closed for public holidays. However, sentiment remains fragile as Trump’s unpredictable trade tactics continue to unsettle investors.
Markets had recently stabilized following new trade deals with the UK and a temporary agreement with China. But Trump’s tariff threats, including a 25% levy on imported iPhones, have reignited fears of a global economic slowdown. Analysts from Brown Brothers Harriman warned that escalating tensions among the U.S., EU, and China—who collectively represent 60% of global GDP—could have widespread economic implications.
Japan’s Nippon Steel surged 4.3% after Trump backed its $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, which soared 21% on Friday. Meanwhile, investors are eyeing Japan’s upcoming inflation data and super-long bond yields for clues on Bank of Japan policy.
The euro rose 0.3% to $1.1397, hitting its highest level since April 30, while the dollar recovered 0.3% to 143.085 yen. China’s blue-chip index slipped 0.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.4%.
Markets are also anticipating Nvidia’s earnings report on Wednesday. The AI leader's stock is down over 2% this year amid rising competition from Chinese models and concerns over U.S. export restrictions. Nvidia is reportedly preparing a lower-priced AI chip for China, pending U.S. approval.
Crude oil prices edged higher while gold slightly retreated.
