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Most Asian currencies weakened on Monday as the U.S. dollar gained strength, driven by better-than-expected nonfarm payrolls data, which raised concerns about slower interest rate cuts in 2025. The dollar hit a 24-month high, reflecting expectations of a strong labor market and sticky inflation keeping Federal Reserve rates higher for longer. Regional trading was muted due to a Japanese holiday, but currencies like the yen, yuan, and Indian rupee remained under pressure. Despite positive Chinese trade data, the yuan weakened as traders anticipated more stimulus measures to counteract economic challenges. Other Asian currencies, including the South Korean won and Singapore dollar, saw minor fluctuations, while the Indian rupee steadied after recent record lows. The market is now focused on upcoming U.S. inflation data and Federal Reserve comments for further interest rate cues.

Asian stocks fell on Friday, closing the first trading week of 2025 on a weak note due to concerns over slower U.S. interest rate cuts and a possible rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Japanese stocks dropped as strong wage and spending data fueled expectations of a BOJ rate hike, pressuring export-heavy companies. Chinese stocks slipped amid weak inflation data and fears of harsher U.S. trade policies, following Tencent’s addition to a U.S. blacklist. Broader Asian markets, including Australia and Singapore, were weighed down by risk aversion ahead of key U.S. payroll data, while South Korea faced political uncertainty. Indian markets remained subdued, with attention shifting to upcoming corporate earnings after recent losses driven by declining economic confidence.

Most Asian stocks declined on Thursday as concerns grew over the slower pace of U.S. interest rate cuts this year, coupled with weak inflation data from China pointing to slowing growth. Chinese markets dropped slightly as consumer and producer inflation remained weak despite recent stimulus, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.8% due to strong wage data fueling fears of higher inflation and potential rate hikes by the Bank of Japan. The yen strengthened, hurting export stocks. Broader Asian markets, including Australia and Singapore, also slipped on weak retail sales and trade data, though South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.4% amid political uncertainty. Indian markets faced pressure from weak earnings ahead of a busy earnings season next week. Overall, concerns over inflation, slowing growth, and higher-for-longer interest rates weighed on investor sentiment.

Asian markets showed mixed results on Wednesday, with Chinese stocks dropping as the U.S. blacklisted major firms like Tencent and CATL, further straining U.S.-China relations. Japanese markets fell after officials warned of potential currency market intervention, which could affect exporters due to the yen’s recent weakness. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI rose 1.1%, boosted by Samsung’s 2.7% gain despite weak earnings. Australia’s ASX 200 rose 0.6%, with inflation data fueling expectations of early rate cuts. Singapore’s Straits Times index gained 0.4%, while Indian markets were set for a positive open ahead of key earnings reports. Wall Street futures edged higher after Tuesday’s tech-led losses. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell nearly 0.9%, pressured by BYD’s 2% drop after labor law violation fines in Brazil. Uncertainty around U.S. interest rates and President Trump’s trade policies continued to weigh on sentiment, keeping markets cautious as 2025 unfolds.

Asian stock markets saw gains on Tuesday, driven by a rebound in technology shares following strong performance on Wall Street. Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.4%, and South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.9%, supported by optimism around artificial intelligence, particularly NVIDIA’s anticipated announcements at a major tech event. Meanwhile, Chinese markets underperformed, with the Hang Seng index falling 0.5% as Tencent and CATL dropped over 5% after being added to a U.S. blacklist, raising concerns over trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Broader Asian markets showed modest gains, with Australia’s ASX 200 up 0.2% and Singapore’s Straits Times Index rising 0.1%. In India, Nifty 50 futures indicated a slight recovery after a sharp 1.6% drop on Monday due to weak earnings from major firms like HDFC Bank and Dabur. Despite Tuesday’s gains, regional markets remained cautious about prolonged U.S. interest rate hikes and ongoing trade uncertainties.

Asian stocks started 2025 on a weak note, with most markets trading flat-to-lower on Monday as investors grew cautious ahead of key economic data this week. Concerns over slower U.S. interest rate cuts following hawkish comments from the Federal Reserve weighed on sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX indexes dropped 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, in catch-up trade after the holidays, with auto stocks leading losses. Nippon Steel fell over 2% after a U.S. Steel acquisition was blocked by President Biden. Chinese markets remained steady, with focus on inflation data amid expectations of more government stimulus in 2025 to address deflation and a property slump. South Korea’s KOSPI surged 1.6% as investors saw buying opportunities after political turmoil last month. Taiwan’s Foxconn gained 2% on record Q4 revenues driven by AI demand, while India’s Nifty 50 futures hinted at a modest recovery after last week’s losses.

Most Asian stock markets were up on Friday, driven by strong gains in South Korean shares, while Chinese stocks recovered from early losses due to expectations of new stimulus measures. Japan’s markets were closed for the holidays, leading to lower trading volumes. South Korea’s KOSPI index rose nearly 2%, ending a five-day losing streak, after the government announced policies to attract foreign investment and boost domestic demand amid political and economic challenges. These efforts came as South Korea faces political instability, including the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Other regional markets, like the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia, also saw gains, encouraged by South Korea’s recovery. In China, stocks were mixed, but hopes of additional stimulus from the government supported the market. The People’s Bank of China hinted at interest rate cuts in 2025 to further stimulate the economy, following weaker-than-expected manufacturing data for December.

Asian currencies traded mostly flat or weaker on Thursday, influenced by concerns over slower U.S. rate cuts in 2025, which boosted the dollar. The Chinese yuan dropped 0.3% to its lowest level in over a year as disappointing manufacturing PMI data raised worries about China’s slowing recovery despite recent stimulus. Regional trading remained muted due to New Year holidays, with major markets like Japan closed. The dollar stayed strong, driven by expectations of cautious Federal Reserve policies and potential protectionist moves by the U.S. under President Trump. The Japanese yen struggled after a dovish 2025 outlook from the Bank of Japan, while the South Korean won, a weak performer in 2024, saw slight recovery despite ongoing political turmoil. Meanwhile, the Singapore dollar rose 0.2% on better-than-expected GDP growth, and the Australian dollar recovered 0.5% from lows. The Indian rupee fell 0.3% after hitting a record low of 86 per dollar.