Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Asian stock markets rebounded modestly on Tuesday following sharp losses in the previous session, as a rally in U.S. tech stocks and bargain-hunting lifted investor sentiment. Most major regional indices climbed, even as global trade tensions continued to weigh on markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 led gains, surging nearly 7%, with the broader TOPIX also rising over 7%. The rally was driven by a weaker yen and strong performance in tech stocks. Shares of chipmakers Tokyo Electron and Advantest jumped over 10% and 12%, respectively, while SoftBank Group surged more than 12%.
The yen’s decline eased pressure on Japanese exporters, further boosting market confidence. The bounce in U.S. tech stocks overnight also encouraged dip-buyers across Asia after three days of declines.
However, investor caution remained as U.S.-China trade tensions escalated. President Donald Trump threatened an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods unless Beijing rolls back its recent 34% tariff hike by April 8. China responded with a vow to retaliate, potentially worsening the ongoing trade conflict.
Despite the tension, Chinese stocks rose after several state-owned firms pledged to increase equity investments to stabilize markets. The CSI 300 gained 0.5%, and the Shanghai Composite added 0.7%. The central bank also supported Central Huijin Investment’s move to boost index fund holdings and pledged re-lending support if needed.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index bounced back with a 3% rise, recovering from a steep 15% drop in the prior session. Australia’s ASX 200 climbed nearly 2%, and South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1%. India’s Nifty 50 futures pointed to a higher open. In contrast, Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell over 2%, continuing its downward trend.
Overall, Asian markets showed resilience, but volatility remains amid deepening U.S.-China trade tensions.
