Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
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 
Singapore Growth Outlook Brightens for 2025 as Economists Flag AI and Geopolitical Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Sideways as Dollar Weakens Ahead of Key U.S. Data 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
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 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Australian Consumer Sentiment Slumps in Early December as Inflation Fears Resurface 
Dollar Struggles as Markets Eye Key Central Bank Decisions and Global Rate Outlooks 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
U.S. stocks ended slightly lower Friday as markets reacted to President Donald Trump’s remarks on Chinese tariffs ahead of key trade talks this weekend in Switzerland. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 119.07 points (0.29%) to 41,249.38, the S&P 500 lost 4.03 points (0.07%) to 5,659.91, while the Nasdaq edged up 0.78 points to 17,928.92. For the week, the S&P 500 dropped 0.47%, the Nasdaq declined 0.27%, and the Dow fell 0.16%.
Trump suggested that an 80% tariff on Chinese imports "seems right," down from the current 145%, signaling potential policy shifts. Investors are closely watching for outcomes from the weekend discussions, which could either ease or escalate the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. Economists noted that any progress could significantly impact long-term global trade and inflation trends.
Markets remain volatile following Trump’s initial tariff announcements, though strong corporate earnings have helped cushion declines. About 76% of the 450 S&P 500 companies reporting so far have beaten analyst expectations, though many firms have issued cautious forward guidance due to trade uncertainties.
Energy stocks rose 1.1% as oil prices climbed ahead of the trade talks, while healthcare lagged, falling 1.1%. Expedia shares dropped 7.3% after missing revenue estimates.
Fed officials reiterated concerns over economic risks tied to trade tensions, echoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent statements. Meanwhile, India reportedly proposed cutting its tariff gap with the U.S. to under 4% in exchange for tariff relief.
Despite investor optimism from a U.S.-UK trade deal earlier in the week, a 10% baseline U.S. tariff remains on British imports. Market breadth was mixed, with the NYSE showing more advancers while the Nasdaq saw more decliners. Trading volume hit 16.03 billion shares, just below the 20-day average.
