Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Japan Weighs New Tax Breaks to Boost Corporate Investment Amid Spending Debate 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
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 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Ireland Limits Planned Trade Ban on Israeli Settlements to Goods Only 
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.
