Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
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 
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 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Asian Technology and Chipmaking Stocks Slide as AI Spending Concerns Shake Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
The U.S. dollar remained weak near a five-month low against major currencies on Wednesday, weighed down by ongoing concerns over the U.S. economy and uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The dollar index hovered at 103.47 after sliding 0.46% on Tuesday to a five-month low of 103.21. Weaker U.S. economic data, including a decline in small-business confidence for the third straight month, heightened recession fears. Investors are now focused on the upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which could spark market volatility.
"The market faces a lose-lose situation," said Julien Lafargue, chief strategist at Barclays Private Bank. "A strong CPI could fuel stagflation concerns, while a weak reading may solidify recession fears."
The euro edged down 0.05% to $1.0913 but remained close to a five-month high of $1.0947. Optimism over a potential Ukraine ceasefire and Germany’s fiscal spending plans have supported the currency, though internal political hurdles persist. Meanwhile, the British pound slipped 0.11% to $1.2933 after a strong rally on Tuesday.
The Japanese yen weakened to 148.01 per dollar, recovering from Tuesday’s five-month high of 146.545. The Canadian dollar also saw turbulence following Trump’s tariff policy reversal on steel and aluminum. Traders now await the Bank of Canada’s rate decision, widely expected to bring a 0.25% cut.
Bitcoin stabilized at $82,821 after rebounding from a four-month low of $76,666.98.
With trade uncertainties and economic concerns mounting, market volatility is set to continue as investors seek clarity on U.S. growth prospects.
