Oil Prices Edge Higher as U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Tanker 
Australia’s Labour Market Weakens as November Employment Drops Sharply 
Hong Kong Cuts Base Rate as HKMA Follows U.S. Federal Reserve Move 
BOJ Expected to Deliver December Rate Hike as Economists See Borrowing Costs Rising Through 2025 
Gold Prices Slip Slightly in Asia as Silver Nears Record Highs on Dovish Fed Outlook 
Wall Street Futures Dip as Broadcom Slides, Tech Weighed Down Despite Dovish Fed Signals 
Wall Street Futures Slip as Oracle Earnings Miss Reignites AI Spending Concerns 
S&P 500 Slides as AI Chip Stocks Tumble, Cooling Tech Rally 
Indonesia–U.S. Tariff Talks Near Completion as Both Sides Push for Year-End Deal 
ADB Approves $400 Million Loan to Boost Ease of Doing Business in the Philippines 
Brazil Holds Selic Rate at 15% as Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated 
Gold Prices Hold Firm as Markets Await Fed Rate Cut; Silver Surges to Record High 
Oil Prices Rebound in Asia as Venezuela Sanctions Risks Offset Ukraine Peace Hopes 
Asian Stocks Rally as Tech Rebounds, China Lags on Nvidia Competition Concerns 
Fed’s Dovish Tone Sends Dollar Lower as Markets Price In More Rate Cuts 
Zeekr’s Australian Market Entry
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Zeekr has officially commenced sales of its first model in Australia, aiming to expand its footprint in the Oceania market. This launch marks the beginning of its ambitious plans for 2024, with a second model also slated for release in New Zealand.
Promising Start with the Zeekr X
Connal Yan, managing director of Zeekr Australia, reported a positive response to their Zeekr X SUV, noting over 2,500 expressions of interest for both the X and the multi-purpose 009 model. This demonstrates the growing consumer demand for innovative EV options in Australia.
The Appeal of the Australian EV Market
Despite being a smaller market globally, with 1.2 million vehicles sold in 2023, Australia presents a lucrative opportunity for Chinese automakers. The absence of a local car manufacturing industry and minimal protectionist policies make it an attractive destination. Moreover, the Australian government has actively promoted electric vehicle adoption since 2022 to achieve its zero emissions targets.
Future Plans and Growth Potential
Zeekr is optimistic about making Oceania one of its largest overseas markets, alongside Southeast Asia and Latin America. With new vehicle efficiency standards set to take effect in 2025, the demand for EVs is expected to rise significantly. Additionally, Zeekr plans to introduce another medium-sized SUV, the 7X, in Australia next year, further solidifying its commitment to this market.
