U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian markets mostly rose on Tuesday as investors welcomed a significant cooling in the U.S.-China trade war. The U.S. and China announced mutual tariff cuts—Washington reducing its levies from 145% to 30%, and Beijing from 125% to 10%—sparking optimism for broader trade resolutions and lifting regional sentiment.
Japan led the rally, with the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX gaining 1.7% and 1.2% respectively. Singapore’s Straits Times and Australia’s ASX 200 each advanced 0.7%, with the latter hitting a two-month high on improved consumer sentiment. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.4%, and other Southeast Asian markets followed suit.
However, Chinese stocks underperformed despite the positive trade development. The Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 inched up just 0.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.3%, weighed down by profit-taking and skepticism over further local stimulus. Analysts from Citi suggested easing trade tensions may reduce Beijing’s urgency for additional fiscal measures. Recent weak inflation and PMI data also dampened investor enthusiasm in China.
Meanwhile, Indian stocks are expected to see a mild pullback after surging nearly 4% on news of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Pakistan, easing the region’s most intense conflict in decades. Gift Nifty 50 Futures hinted at a softer open ahead of India’s consumer inflation report, which is anticipated to show further easing for April.
Market focus now shifts to U.S. inflation data due later in the day, which could influence the global risk outlook and further shape expectations on monetary policy and trade negotiations. The S&P 500 Futures edged down 0.3% in Asian trade after a strong 3.3% rally on Monday.
