Image Credit: Bloomberg

A measure of Asian currencies reached its weakest level against the dollar in nearly two decades, while regional equities showed mixed performance during a period of thin holiday trading. Japan's Topix index declined in its first session after a holiday break, while stocks in Korea and Australia posted gains. US equity futures edged lower.

The yen led losses among Group-of-10 currencies against the dollar, while the Australian and New Zealand dollars emerged as strong performers. Attention is now on China's currency, as the onshore yuan recently crossed a significant threshold for the first time since late 2023.

The choppy performance in Asian markets reflects investor caution amid escalating US-China trade tensions. Although monetary easing, Beijing's stimulus measures to boost domestic demand, and optimism around artificial intelligence could support gains, potential tariffs may dampen progress.

Goldman Sachs analysts, including Andrew Tilton, anticipate widespread interest rate cuts across most Asian economies in 2025, with Japan being a notable exception. They predict sustained reflation in Japan, prompting further rate hikes.

Tech stocks remain in focus. Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., known as Foxconn and a key partner for Nvidia and Apple, reported stronger-than-expected revenue over the weekend, highlighting robust demand for AI infrastructure.

Key economic data due Monday includes China’s Caixin services and composite PMI, Thailand's inflation figures, and Vietnam's industrial production data. Additionally, Israel's central bank is expected to announce an interest rate decision, while Germany’s inflation data and US factory orders will also be released.

In South Korea, a court dismissed an appeal related to an arrest warrant for former President Yoon Suk Yeol, according to local media reports.

In the US, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is scheduled to speak at a conference at the University of Michigan, while Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin recently expressed support for keeping interest rates restrictive.

These comments, alongside strong US economic data, highlight the challenges investors face in predicting future interest rate policies following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish stance in December.

Investors are also factoring in Donald Trump’s return to the White House in two weeks. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden plans to ban new offshore oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of US coastal waters, halting the sale of drilling rights in the Atlantic, Pacific, and parts of the Gulf of Mexico.

WTI crude extended its rally to a sixth consecutive day, marking its longest winning streak since April, while gold prices also moved higher.

Paraphrasing text from "Bloomberg" all rights reserved by the original author