Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian currencies gained on Friday as market risk sentiment improved after the White House announced President Donald Trump would delay any decision on military action against Iran for two weeks. The move helped ease fears of an imminent U.S. escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict, leading to a retreat in the U.S. dollar.
The dollar index slipped 0.2% following the announcement, reversing some gains made earlier in the week after the Federal Reserve maintained a hawkish stance during its recent meeting. Despite the dip, the greenback remained up 0.4% for the week, supported by Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments on holding rates steady amid inflation risks from proposed trade tariffs.
Improved risk appetite weighed on the Japanese yen, although the currency strengthened 0.2% against the dollar (USDJPY) after hotter-than-expected CPI data and hawkish Bank of Japan minutes signaled further rate hikes. Japan’s national core inflation surged to a 2.5-year high in May, reinforcing expectations of more tightening from the BOJ despite caution over U.S. trade tensions.
China’s yuan was little moved after the People’s Bank of China held its loan prime rate steady, with USDCNY easing 0.1%. The South Korean won gained as USDKRW dropped 0.7%, while the Indian rupee and Singapore dollar saw their USD pairs fall 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively. The Australian dollar also rebounded, with AUDUSD rising 0.3% after recent losses.
Markets remained uncertain about the timing of Japan’s next rate hike, while U.S. monetary policy and geopolitical developments continued to influence global currency moves. As traders assessed inflation data, central bank signals, and geopolitical risks, the short-term outlook favored Asian currencies amid easing war concerns.
