China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
Global Markets Rise as Tech Stocks Lead, Yen Strengthens, and Commodities Hit Record Highs 
Gold Prices Surge to Record Highs as Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
UBS Warns of Short-Term Risks as Precious Metals Rally to Record Highs 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
Taiwan Stock Market Ends Higher as Semiconductor and Energy Shares Lead Gains 
BOJ Governor Signals Gradual Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Nears 2% Target 
BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Wall Street Ends Higher as S&P 500, Nasdaq Extend Gains Ahead of Holiday Week 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
China has kept its 2025 economic growth target at around 5%, increasing fiscal measures to counter deflation and U.S. trade pressures. The goal, confirmed in a government report for the National People’s Congress (NPC), aligns with last year’s ambitions but includes expanded financial commitments.
Beijing raised its budget deficit target to 4% of GDP, up from 3% in 2024. It will issue 1.3 trillion yuan ($179 billion) in special treasury bonds and allow 4.4 trillion yuan in local government special debt. Premier Li Qiang is set to outline economic policies in an upcoming NPC speech.
The escalating U.S.-China trade war poses risks to China’s industrial sector, with new tariffs from President Trump’s administration increasing costs on over $400 billion in Chinese exports. Beijing retaliated by imposing 10%-15% tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and restricting 25 American firms.
China faces internal economic challenges, including weak domestic demand and a struggling property sector. Despite a strong trade surplus, many workers report job instability as companies cut costs to stay competitive in global markets. Analysts stress the need for long-term reforms in taxation, land, and financial systems to boost consumer spending.
China is shifting focus to "new productive forces," investing heavily in advanced manufacturing, AI, and EVs. Companies like BYD and Deepseek are gaining global traction, but concerns remain about balancing technological progress with domestic consumption. Experts warn that failing to stimulate consumer demand could lead to prolonged stagnation similar to Japan’s experience.
With global trade conditions tightening, China’s challenge is to sustain growth while adapting to an evolving economic landscape.
