Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
Asian Currencies Slip as Dollar Strengthens; Indian Rupee Rebounds on Intervention Hopes 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Gold and Silver Surge as Safe Haven Demand Rises on U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
India’s economic growth likely accelerated to 6.7% in Q1 2025, up from 6.2% the previous quarter, driven largely by a pickup in rural consumption amid better agricultural output and easing inflation, according to a Reuters poll of 56 economists conducted May 19–23. Growth estimates ranged from 5.8% to 7.5%.
Economists noted improved crop production and moderating inflation boosted rural demand, while urban consumption remained subdued. “We’re seeing signs of a rural rebound, supported by improved crop output,” said Gaura Sengupta, chief economist at IDFC First Bank. Citi analysts echoed this, noting strong agricultural activity, but remained cautious on urban spending without more policy stimulus.
Gross value added (GVA), a more stable measure excluding taxes and subsidies, rose 6.4% year-on-year in Q1, slightly above last quarter’s 6.2%. However, economists caution this apparent recovery may be more statistical than structural. Standard Chartered’s Anubhuti Sahay attributed the growth uptick largely to lower subsidy payouts, boosting net indirect taxes.
Societe Generale’s Kunal Kundu warned real rural wages remain stagnant and not yet strong enough to meaningfully drive growth. Urban demand also shows little sign of recovery. Without stronger domestic consumption, growth will continue to lean heavily on government spending.
Meanwhile, uncertainty in global trade—particularly U.S. tariff policy—is hurting business confidence and delaying private investment. “Interest rate cuts alone won’t spur investment unless global sentiment stabilizes,” said Indranil Pan, chief economist at Yes Bank.
The Reserve Bank of India is expected to cut rates again in June, but economists say sustained recovery requires broader demand revival and improved investor sentiment amid global uncertainty.
