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 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Asian Stocks Slide as AI Valuation Fears and BOJ Uncertainty Weigh on Markets 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
RBA Unlikely to Cut Interest Rates in 2026 as Inflation Pressures Persist, Says Westpac 
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 
Silver Prices Hit Record High as Safe-Haven Demand Surges Amid U.S. Economic Uncertainty 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
Scott Bessent and John Paulson Emerge as Treasury Secretary Candidates
Key Investors in the Running
Prominent investors Scott Bessent and John Paulson are strong contenders for the role of U.S. Treasury Secretary in Donald Trump’s potential second term, according to sources close to the former president. Bessent met with Trump on Friday at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, and received positive feedback, signaling his favorable standing. Although a final decision rests with Trump, Bessent and Paulson are seen as top choices.
Influence of Treasury Secretary on Policy
The U.S. Treasury Secretary plays a pivotal role in economic, regulatory, and international finance matters. Wall Street has been attentive to Trump’s selection, given his agenda to reshape global trade policies with tariffs and tax reform. Trump has previously expressed interest in Paulson for this role due to his alignment with Trump’s economic vision.
Candidates’ Background and Qualifications
Bessent, a hedge fund veteran and former Yale professor, has established a warm relationship with Trump, notably supporting his approach to tariffs. Paulson, a billionaire investor and Trump donor, is known for his advocacy of tax cuts and deregulation. Other speculated candidates include FOX Business personality Larry Kudlow and former U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer. However, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reportedly has no plans to join Trump’s administration.
Upcoming Appointments and Odds
Trump recently appointed Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff and is expected to announce additional appointments soon. According to Polymarket betting odds, Bessent is the favorite for Treasury Secretary, with Paulson close behind.
