Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
Asian Currencies Steady as Fed Delivers Hawkish Rate Cut; Aussie and Rupee Under Pressure 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Asian Stocks Slip Ahead of Fed Decision as China Deflation Concerns Deepen 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Third Straight Week as Rate Cut Expectations Boost Euro and Pound 
Asian Stocks Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Sparks AI Profitability Concerns 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Modi and Trump Hold Phone Call as India Seeks Relief From U.S. Tariffs Over Russian Oil Trade 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Indian Rupee Slides to Record Low on Fed Outlook 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Pacific Islands Growth Slows to 3.6% in 2024
The Pacific Islands' economic growth is expected to slow to 3.6% in 2024, down from 5.8% in 2023, as the post-pandemic recovery fades. A recent World Bank report highlights a significant slowdown in Fiji, which contributes half of the region's output.
Key Economic Challenges
The report cites weakening investment, increasing climate risks, and structural challenges as major hurdles. Over the past 15 years, investment has decreased in seven out of 11 Pacific Island countries. Without immediate action, the region risks falling further behind in poverty reduction and economic development.
Natural disasters continue to take a toll, with annual damages averaging 1.5% of the region’s GDP. Many Pacific nations are caught in a cycle of rebuilding after disasters like cyclones, hindering long-term growth.
Fiji and Vanuatu Struggle
Fiji's growth is projected to slow to 3% in 2024, with public debt rising to 79% of GDP, a third higher than pre-pandemic levels. Vanuatu's economy is also under pressure, with the liquidation of Air Vanuatu causing growth to drop to 0.9%.
Investment Opportunities
The World Bank report calls for increased investment in key areas such as sustainable tourism, agriculture, and digital connectivity. Despite large maritime zones, Pacific Islands have yet to capitalize fully on sustainable fishing and marine biotechnology. Addressing high internet costs and poor speeds is critical for future development.
Senior World Bank economist Dana Vorisek emphasized the need for reforms in digital payments and remittance systems, which could significantly boost the region’s economy.
