China’s November Economic Data Signals Slowing Industrial Output and Weak Consumer Demand 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Tech Stocks Struggle Ahead of Key US Economic Data 
Bank of Korea Downplays Liquidity’s Role in Weak Won and Housing Price Surge 
Asian Stocks Slide as Central Bank Decisions and Key Data Keep Investors Cautious 
Japan Exports to U.S. Rebound in November as Tariff Impact Eases, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Expectations 
Asian Fund Managers Turn More Optimistic on Growth but Curb Equity Return Expectations: BofA Survey 
Oil Prices Rebound as U.S.-Venezuela Tensions Offset Oversupply Concerns 
Gold and Silver Prices Dip as Markets Await Key U.S. Economic Data 
Bank of Japan Poised for Historic Rate Hike as Inflation Pressures Persist 
New Zealand Budget Outlook Shows Prolonged Deficits Despite Economic Recovery Hopes 
U.S. Dollar Slips Near Two-Month Low as Markets Await Key Jobs Data and Central Bank Decisions 
Oil Prices Rebound as Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Venezuelan Tankers 
Oil Prices Slip in Asia as 2026 Supply Glut Fears and Russia-Ukraine Talks Weigh on Markets 
U.S. Dollar Steadies Near October Lows as Rate Cut Expectations Keep Markets on Edge 
Chinese Robotaxi Stocks Rally as Tesla Boosts Autonomous Driving Optimism 
Korea Zinc to Build $7.4 Billion Critical Minerals Refinery in Tennessee With U.S. Government Backing 
South Korea Warns Weak Won Could Push Inflation Higher in 2025 
U.S. stock futures remained flat Wednesday evening after a mixed trading session, as markets digested geopolitical developments and Federal Reserve updates. S&P 500 Futures hovered at 6,145.25, Nasdaq 100 Futures stayed muted at 22,455.75, and Dow Jones Futures held at 43,302.0.
Investor sentiment was shaped by a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by President Trump earlier in the week. The multi-stage truce followed 12 days of airstrikes and appeared to be holding as of Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed Iran's nuclear capabilities were now "much further" from fruition, despite intelligence assessments suggesting only a short-term delay.
Trump signaled that upcoming talks would pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, crediting U.S. airstrikes for the quick resolution of the conflict.
On Wall Street, the S&P 500 closed flat, staying near record highs. The NASDAQ gained 0.3%, while the Dow slipped 0.3%. NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) surged to a record high after Loop Capital raised its price target to $250, citing strong AI chip demand. Meanwhile, FedEx (NYSE: FDX) dropped over 3% after missing profit forecasts.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell returned to Capitol Hill, maintaining a hawkish stance and warning that inflation driven by tariffs may not be temporary. His comments did little to shift expectations on rate policy but highlighted tensions with President Trump, who criticized Powell’s position and hinted at potential replacements.
Names reportedly under consideration include former Fed governor Kevin Warsh, NEC director Kevin Hassett, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, ex-World Bank chief David Malpass, and current Fed governor Christopher Waller.
Investors remain cautious as global tensions and central bank uncertainty cloud the economic outlook.
