Fed Meeting Sparks Division as Markets Brace for Possible Rate Cut 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian stocks edged higher on Wednesday, supported by South Korea's political shift and optimism in tech stocks, even as global markets remain tense over escalating U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium.
South Korea's KOSPI surged over 2%—its highest since August 2024—following liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung’s presidential win, which raised hopes for swift economic stimulus and regulatory reforms. The Korean won also strengthened, reflecting investor confidence. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.6%, while Japan’s Nikkei gained 0.8% and Taiwan climbed 1.6%, buoyed by Nvidia’s rally on Wall Street.
Market sentiment, however, remained cautious ahead of a potential call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tensions have resurfaced after Trump accused China of violating a tariff rollback deal. In response, Beijing pledged to defend its interests.
China’s markets were muted, with the blue-chip index up 0.09% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gaining 0.27%. Analysts warned that despite investor fatigue over trade news, further escalation could drive risk aversion.
Adding to market concerns, the U.S. implemented a tariff hike on steel and aluminium to 50% starting Wednesday, dubbed “Liberation Day” tariffs. Investors fear these could be a precursor to broader protectionist measures. The OECD revised its global growth forecast down to 2.9% for 2025–2026, citing the impact of trade tensions.
The U.S. dollar weakened, slipping 0.17% against the yen and 0.1% against the Swiss franc, while the euro rose 0.15%. The dollar index hovered near a six-week low, down 8.5% year-to-date.
In commodities, Brent crude dipped to $65.59, while gold jumped 0.5% to $3,369.59 per ounce, up 28% in 2025, driven by safe-haven demand.
