Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
Vietnam’s November Trade Sees Monthly Decline but Strong Year-on-Year Growth 
U.S. Stocks Rise as Cooler Inflation Boosts Hopes for Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Austria’s AA Credit Rating Affirmed as Fitch Highlights Stable Outlook 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
U.S. Stocks End Week Higher as Markets Anticipate Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
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.
