Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Asian stocks traded in a narrow range on Friday as investors awaited further clarity on U.S. trade talks with major Asian economies, particularly China. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes outperformed, gaining 0.5% and 0.6% respectively, as weaker-than-expected consumer spending and wage data spurred speculation that the Bank of Japan may hold off on further interest rate hikes.
Chinese markets were subdued despite U.S. President Donald Trump highlighting a “positive” call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Investors seemed unconvinced without signs of a concrete trade agreement. The Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 indexes remained flat, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.4%, reflecting caution as recent data pointed to ongoing pressure in China’s manufacturing sector amid the prolonged trade war.
Across broader Asia, sentiment remained muted. Australia’s ASX 200 dipped 0.1%, struggling to break past recent highs. Indian markets showed some optimism, with Gift Nifty 50 futures indicating a positive open. Focus was on the Reserve Bank of India’s policy decision, where a widely expected 25 basis point rate cut—its third this year—aimed to support economic growth.
Meanwhile, U.S. markets remained cautious ahead of key nonfarm payrolls data, which is likely to signal further economic cooling. Tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump also weighed on Wall Street, affecting Tesla and its Asian suppliers. S&P 500 futures edged up slightly during Asian hours.
Overall, regional equity markets remain tethered to macroeconomic data, central bank cues, and unresolved trade developments. Investors are likely to stay risk-averse until clearer signals emerge from global policy shifts and U.S.-China trade negotiations.
