Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
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 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
ECB Rate Cuts: A Historic Move
Traders increased their bets on rapid European Central Bank (ECB) rate cuts after the bank announced its first consecutive cuts in 13 years. On Thursday, the ECB lowered its deposit rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 3.25%, following a similar move in September. This marks the first back-to-back cut since 2011.
Economic Outlook and ECB Policy
A deteriorating economic outlook and signs of controlled inflation prompted the ECB's decision. Policymakers emphasized their commitment to a data-driven approach, stating they would maintain restrictive monetary policy as necessary.
Market Reactions and Predictions
With ECB President Christine Lagarde facing minimal pushback, traders are increasingly pricing in a 29 bps cut for the upcoming December meeting. Some analysts anticipate the possibility of a more substantial 50 bps cut, given the current economic conditions.
Euro's Performance and Future Risks
The euro fell to $1.0811, its lowest point since early August. As traders predict 160 bps of cuts by the end of 2025, eurozone government bonds have shown resilience, outperforming U.S. Treasuries in October. However, the euro remains vulnerable, especially with uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Conclusion
The ECB's recent rate cuts reflect a significant shift in monetary policy amid economic challenges. As traders adjust their expectations, the euro and eurozone markets face ongoing scrutiny.
