China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
The U.S. dollar is poised to end the week steady but faces a quarterly loss, pressured by concerns that looming tariffs could stall economic growth. Market fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s pledge to introduce sweeping new tariffs, including a 25% levy on imported cars from April 3, have dragged down U.S. yields, stocks, and the greenback.
Meanwhile, the euro is on track for its strongest quarterly gain in over a year, rising more than 4% to just under $1.08. Contributing factors include optimism over peace in Ukraine, a weaker dollar, and surging German bond yields. The Japanese yen has also edged higher, sitting at 151.19 per dollar, with a near 4% quarterly gain despite a persistent Tokyo inflation print.
Scandinavian currencies lead G10 performance, with the Swedish krona and Norwegian krone up nearly 11% and 9%, respectively, thanks to central banks showing restraint in easing policy. The Canadian dollar has managed a modest 0.5% gain year-to-date to C$1.4306, despite being hit by U.S. tariffs.
Eyes are now on upcoming inflation data from France, Spain, and the U.S. core PCE index. Any reading below the expected 0.3% monthly rise could add pressure on the dollar and further soften interest rate expectations.
Elsewhere, the Australian dollar is up around 2% to $0.6291 ahead of next week’s RBA meeting, while the New Zealand dollar has gained 2.5% this quarter to $0.5728. Sterling remains steady at $1.2943, marking a 3.5% rise in 2025 so far.
Currency strategists warn that if the EU becomes Trump’s next tariff target, the euro could face a reversal as Europe prepares to retaliate.
