RBA on Hold in 2026, Risks on Both Sides.Westpac Economics sees inflation heading back to target in the year ahead, but this will not be enough to shift the RBA's more hawkish mindset. Rates on hold in 2026, with risks on both sides.

Bank of England (BoE) Preview: A Hawkish Cut in a Stagnating Economy? Implications for the GBP & FTSE 10.The Bank of England's (BoE) final Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of 2025, scheduled for December 18, arrives amid strong conviction from financial markets: a festive interest rate cut is imminent. After a recent pause, the BoE is widely expected to resume its easing cycle, a move necessitated by a stalling UK economy and confirmed disinflationary signals.

UK inflation to stay elevated in November - Morgan Stanley.Morgan Stanley estimates that UK headline annual CPI will come in at 3.4% in November, with the core annual reading being at 3.3%. That's slightly under the consensus estimate from analysts of 3.5% for the former and 3.4% for the latter.

WTI Oil Prices at 2025 Lows – Opportunity or Trap?.A positive development that encourages cuts by reducing inflation expectations for consumers, but with prices back to January 2021 levels, producers are pressured to decrease investment in technology and rig development.

South Korea central bank sees upside inflation risk with a weaker won.South Korea's central bank said on Wednesday headline inflation next year could exceed earlier forecasts if the won stays at its current level against the dollar.

Japan's Takaichi urges to boost capacity with proactive fiscal policy.Japan's Takaichi urges to boost capacity with proactive fiscal policy

Natural Gas and Oil Forecast: Rebounds Fade as OPEC+ Supply and Weak Demand Weigh.Natural gas and oil prices rebound on geopolitical risk, but rising OPEC+ supply and weak demand keep the broader energy outlook cautious.

BOJ should avoid premature rate hike, says ex-deputy governor.Well, take his comments here with a pinch of salt as he is part of the government panel recruited by Japan prime minister Takaichi. So, the bias in his remarks and narrative is to side with the government and to try and speak against the intentions by the BOJ to hike rates later this week.

Japan bond yields continue to surge higher with eyes on the BOJ later this week.A lot of anticipation is riding on the BOJ this week with the Japanese central bank set to deliver one of, if not the last major key risk event for the year. A rate hike is well anticipated at this point as the BOJ looks to have won the battle in the first round against Japan prime minister Takaichi.

EUROPE UK inflation final hurdle before BoE verdict.A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Rae Wee

Bearish Sequence Pressures Oil (CL) lower [Video].Bearish Sequence Pressures Oil (CL) lower [Video]

Global Flash PMIs: What December's Reports Tell Us About the Major Economies.The major economies just dropped their December PMI reports! What exactly are these mysterious three-letter reports, and why do they matter to traders?

Softer US jobs data could prompt Fed to shift to earlier rate cuts next year - CIBC.CIBC notes that the non-farm payrolls release yesterday reflected further softness in US labour market conditions. Adding that while payrolls gained by 64k in November, it comes after a sharp decline of 105k in October which effectively erases the gains from September.

India's RBI returns with decisive hand to halt rupee's one-way slide.India's central bank intervened aggressively in currency markets on Wednesday, selling dollars to prop up the rupee, bankers said, echoing its earlier heavy-handed efforts to stem a one-way decline in the currency.

EUR/JPY holds below 182.00 as Japan's Trade Balance softens, German IFO data eyed.EUR/JPY holds below 182.00 as Japan's Trade Balance softens, German IFO data eyed

Singapore MAS survey shows economists raising 2025 growth forecast.Economists have raised their forecasts for Singapore's growth in 2025 but see the pace moderating next year, with monetary policy expected to be held steady at a review next month, a survey of forecasters by the Monetary Authority of Singapore showed on Wednesday.

Singapore exports beat expectations as electronics and pharma lift NODX.Singapore's non-oil domestic exports (NODX) delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in November, reinforcing signs that the city-state's trade cycle remains firmly in recovery mode as global demand stabilises. Official data released by Enterprise Singapore showed NODX rose 11.6% year on year, comfortably beating market expectations for a 7.0% increase.

Indian central bank steps in aggressively to boost struggling rupee, traders say.The Indian central bank intervened aggressively on Wednesday to boost a struggling rupee after the currency hit record lows for four consecutive trading sessions, dragged down by portfolio outflows and an ongoing U.S.-India trade stalemate.

India's trade impasse with Trump keeps rupee in the cold.No currency has been hit harder by U.S. tariffs than India's rupee - and there may yet be more downside as investors pull out of the country until they see a trade deal struck with Washington.

Japanese Yen edges lower ahead of BoJ meeting; bullish potential seems intact.Japanese Yen edges lower ahead of BoJ meeting; bullish potential seems intact

Rupee may catch a breather after swift decline; softer dollar helps at margin.The Indian rupee may pause its recent slide at Wednesday's open, with the quick fall expected to draw improved two-way interest, while the dip in the dollar index to a two-month low could offer support.

Strong exports lift BoJ hike odds as Japan recovery gathers pace - recap.Today's Japanese trade and investment data are reinforcing expectations that the Bank of Japan is poised to deliver a 25 basis point rate hike this week, as signs of economic recovery continue to build following last quarter's contraction.

Dollar nears 2-1/2-month low as labour data leaves rate path uncertain.The U.S. dollar was steady on Wednesday and near its lowest since the start of October after data showed the labour market remained soft, leaving investors on edge about when the next rate cut from the Federal Reserve is likely to come.

Shares hesitant after US jobs data, oil jumps on Venezuela blockade.Asia shares were hesitant on Wednesday after a mixed U.S. jobs reading failed to move the needle on the rate outlook there, leaving investors awaiting further cues to guide their next move.

US President Donald Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers.US President Donald Trump orders total blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers

Japanese Yen Forecast: Will USD/JPY Break 153 as BoJ Hike Nears?.Rising Japanese exports and a looming BoJ rate hike pressure USD/JPY, with softer US data and Fed cut bets strengthening the bearish outlook.

Australia Westpac Leading Index (MoM) down to -0.04% in November from previous 0.11%.Australia Westpac Leading Index (MoM) down to -0.04% in November from previous 0.11%

Australia Westpac Leading Index (MoM): 0% (November) vs previous 0.11%.Australia Westpac Leading Index (MoM): 0% (November) vs previous 0.11%

Japan Adjusted Merchandise Trade Balance rose from previous ¥-4.2B to ¥62.9B in November.Japan Adjusted Merchandise Trade Balance rose from previous ¥-4.2B to ¥62.9B in November

Japan: Nov exports +6.1%y/y (expected +4.8%) Oct Machine orders +12.5%y/y (expected +3.6%).As I said earlier, the Bank of Japan will begin its two day meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 18, 2025. On Friday we'll get the statement followed by Bank of Japan Governor Ueda's press conference: