S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Korea Zinc Plans $6.78 Billion U.S. Smelter Investment With Government Partnership 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
U.S. Stock Futures Mixed as Tech and AI Stocks Face Pressure Ahead of CPI Data 
China’s Small Bank Consolidation Struggles as Profits Fall and Risks Persist 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Gathering of Global Finance Chiefs
This week, over 10,000 global finance leaders will gather in Washington for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. The discussions come amid rising uncertainties due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe, a struggling Chinese economy, and the upcoming U.S. presidential election that could spark new trade disputes.
Key Issues on the Agenda
A primary concern at the meetings will be the potential impact of the Nov. 5 U.S. election, particularly regarding the possibility of Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, implementing substantial tariffs and shifting away from climate cooperation. Josh Lipsky, former IMF official and current head of the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, emphasized the election's implications on trade policy and the global dollar's future, stating, "This issue is not on the official agenda, but it's on everyone's mind."
In contrast, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is expected to uphold the Biden administration's approach to multilateral cooperation on climate and tax relief if elected.
Economic Outlook and Challenges
The IMF plans to update its global growth forecasts, with Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva highlighting a challenging outlook due to high debts affecting medium-term growth. While some regions show resilience, such as the U.S. and India, challenges persist in China and Europe.
Key discussions will also focus on trade tensions with China and increasing debt distress among emerging markets, which hinder investment opportunities as international aid decreases.
Conclusion
As the meetings coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Bretton Woods institutions, World Bank President Ajay Banga aims to prioritize actionable strategies over merely identifying problems. "Rather than admire the problem, let's focus on solutions," Banga stated, reinforcing the urgency of the global financial landscape. maintained, reflecting current sentiments in economic policy.
