BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
Asian Stock Markets Trade Flat as Holiday Liquidity Thins and BOJ Minutes Watched 
Gold Price Breaks $4,500 as Safe-Haven Demand and Rate Cut Bets Fuel Rally 
German Exports to the U.S. Decline Sharply as Tariffs Reshape Trade in 2025 
U.S. Dollar Slips as Yen Finds Support on Intervention Signals and Geopolitical Risks Rise 
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in Q3 2025 as Outlook Remains Fragile 
Oil Prices Edge Higher as Strong U.S. Growth and Supply Risks Support Market 
Asian Markets Rise as AI Rally Caps 2025, Gold and Silver Hit Record Highs 
Platinum Price Surges Past $2,000 as Demand and Supply Dynamics Tighten 
China’s Power Market Revamp Fuels Global Boom in Energy Storage Batteries 
RBA Signals Possible Interest Rate Hike in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist 
South Korea Central Bank Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks Amid Won Volatility 
Japan Plans $189 Billion Bond Issuance as Record Budget Signals Expansionary Fiscal Policy 
US and Japan Fast-Track $550 Billion Strategic Investment Initiative 
Asian Stocks Rise as Wall Street Tech Rally Lifts Markets, Yen Slumps Despite BOJ Rate Hike 
Yen Stabilizes Near Lows as Japan Signals Readiness to Intervene Amid Dollar Weakness 
The Japanese yen firmed on Thursday, reaching a two-month high of 150.62 per U.S. dollar, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda. The dollar held steady, while the euro and sterling eased, with the British pound slipping to $1.2594.
Trump announced upcoming tariffs on timber, cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, echoing previous remarks about imposing a 25% tariff on autos and similar duties on other sectors. Investors remain cautious about the potential economic impact, though markets have grown accustomed to his transactional approach. Meanwhile, Trump also pledged tax cuts for individuals and businesses, adding to market uncertainty.
Federal Reserve minutes revealed officials’ concerns about inflation risks tied to Trump’s trade and immigration policies, reinforcing a patient stance on rate cuts. The dollar index hovered near a one-week high at 107.15.
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Australian dollar edged up 0.07% to $0.6350 after a mixed jobs report, while the New Zealand dollar remained flat at $0.5705. Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr stated that another 50-basis-point rate cut would require a significant economic shock.
China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged, prioritizing financial and currency stability. The offshore yuan gained 0.1% to 7.2788 per dollar.
Geopolitical tensions also influenced market sentiment after Trump referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy as a “dictator” amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Investors remain watchful as uncertainty looms over global trade, central bank policies, and geopolitical developments.
