Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Fed Rate Cut Signals Balance Between Inflation and Jobs, Says Mary Daly 
Japan PMI Data Signals Manufacturing Stabilization as Services Continue to Drive Growth 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Russia Stocks End Flat as Energy and Retail Shares Show Mixed Performance 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Japan Business Sentiment Hits Four-Year High, Boosting Expectations of BOJ Rate Hike 
Fed Near Neutral Signals Caution Ahead, Shifting Focus to Fixed Income in 2026 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
ASX Shares Slide After ASIC Imposes A$150 Million Capital Requirement 
South Korea Extends Bond Market Stabilization Measures Amid Rising Financial Risks 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Global Markets Slide as Tech Stocks Sink, Yields Rise, and AI Concerns Deepen 
The U.S. dollar edged higher on Monday as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran drove safe-haven demand, with investors bracing for key central bank decisions this week. Fears of a broader regional conflict intensified after Israel’s surprise attack on Friday led to the suspension of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Analysts warn that Iran may attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route, posing broader economic risks.
The dollar rose 0.14% to 144.3 yen, while the euro slipped 0.14% to $1.1534. The greenback was steady against the Swiss franc at 0.81, and the dollar index held firm at 98.25. Risk-sensitive currencies like the Australian and New Zealand dollars saw marginal gains. Despite recent gains, analysts remain cautious on the dollar’s longer-term trajectory, especially if the Federal Reserve signals a dovish stance.
Brown Brothers Harriman’s Win Thin noted that the dollar’s safe-haven status may be tested, particularly amid weakening U.S. fundamentals. Markets expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged on Wednesday, with investors closely watching for comments on slowing economic growth and persistent inflation risks. Chris Weston of Pepperstone said the Fed's growth forecast will likely shift downward, keeping its policy tone neutral.
The Bank of Japan is also expected to maintain rates on Tuesday, though it may begin scaling back bond purchases next fiscal year. Central banks in the UK, Sweden, and Norway are also set to announce policy updates this week.
In commodities, gold climbed 0.22% to $3,435.5 an ounce, nearing April’s record high. Longer-dated U.S. Treasuries dipped slightly after Friday’s gains, reflecting market caution over potential inflationary effects from ongoing geopolitical turmoil.
