Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Mexico Moves to Increase Tariffs on Asian Imports to Protect Domestic Industries 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Fed’s Dovish Tone Sends Dollar Lower as Markets Price In More Rate Cuts 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Global Forex Markets Brace for Fed Decision as Yen Extends Weakness 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
European stock markets opened higher Monday, with investors focusing on upcoming eurozone inflation data and the European Central Bank’s (ECB) policy meeting. At 03:05 ET (08:05 GMT), Germany’s DAX gained 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 climbed 0.4%.
The ECB is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.50% on Thursday to stimulate the sluggish eurozone economy. Markets anticipate around 90 basis points of rate cuts by year-end, though uncertainty remains due to U.S. tariff risks, a potential Ukraine ceasefire, and increased European defense spending. Inflation data released later today may provide further clarity after signs of slowing price growth in major eurozone economies last week.
Investors are also watching U.S. tariff developments. President Donald Trump has announced additional 10% tariffs on China and reaffirmed plans for 25% levies on Mexico and Canada. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that the final tariff levels would be determined on Tuesday, leaving room for adjustments.
The European defense sector is in focus as leaders agreed on a peace plan emphasizing increased military spending and a greater role in Ukraine’s defense. Meanwhile, UK-based Bunzl (LON:BNZL) reported quarterly earnings growth, citing an aggressive acquisition strategy, a dividend increase, and a share buyback program.
Oil prices edged higher, supported by strong Chinese manufacturing data. U.S. crude futures (WTI) rose 0.2% to $69.91 a barrel, while Brent gained 0.2% to $72.97. Manufacturing activity in China exceeded expectations, fueled by last year’s stimulus measures.
Meanwhile, uncertainty lingers over a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal after tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, with European leaders reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
