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:

USD/JPY weakens below 155.00 as BoJ rate hike speculation grows.USD/JPY weakens below 155.00 as BoJ rate hike speculation grows

New Zealand Current Account - GDP Ratio climbed from previous -3.7% to -3.5% in 3Q.New Zealand Current Account - GDP Ratio climbed from previous -3.7% to -3.5% in 3Q

United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock down to -9.3M in December 12 from previous -4.8M.United States API Weekly Crude Oil Stock down to -9.3M in December 12 from previous -4.8M

Reports that the White House is divided over Hassett as possible Fed chair.White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has emerged as a leading contender to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell when his term ends in May, but his candidacy is drawing mixed reactions within the Trump administration, according to POLITICO.

Explainer: Argentina's new FX bands and reserves policy aim to boost credibility.Argentina's central bank announced adjustments to its foreign exchange framework that investors broadly view as a step toward restoring credibility and reopening a path to international capital markets.

TRADING DAY U.S. unemployment casts its shadow.Wall Street mostly fell on Tuesday - the Nasdaq bucked the trend and rose - while the dollar and Treasury yields slid after figures showed the U.S. unemployment rate in November rose to 4.6%, the highest in more than four years.

USD/JPY and AUD/JPY Test Key Support as Japanese Yen Strengthens.The Japanese yen is regaining traction, pushing USD/JPY and AUD/JPY toward key technical support levels. A softer US dollar backdrop and renewed focus on volatility have dragged USD/JPY below the closely watched 155 handle, while AUD/JPY has rolled over from multi-year highs.

US President Trump to interview Fed's Waller for top Fed job – WSJ.US President Trump to interview Fed's Waller for top Fed job – WSJ

New Zealand Q3 current account deficit widens sharply, annual gap improves.New Zealand's current account position deteriorated sharply in the September quarter, with the headline deficit blowing out to NZ$8.37bn, far wider than market expectations and a marked worsening from the prior quarter's NZ$1.30bn shortfall. While the seasonally adjusted deficit was more modest at NZ$3.78bn, it still edged wider, underscoring ongoing external imbalance pressures in the economy.

Crude Oil Price Forecast: Sellers in Control With New Long Term Trend Low.Crude oil reached a slightly new bear trend low of $55.00 Tuesday, dipping below the April long-term trend low at $55.23 and the October $56.41 low.

Natural Gas Price Forecast: 61.8% Fib Tags $3.89 – 50-Day Breakdown Confirmed.Natural gas marked a seventh straight day of lower highs and lows Tuesday, finding temporary support at $3.84 near the 61.8% Fibonacci $3.89 while confirming the 50-day average breakdown.

Economic and event calendar in Asia 17 December 2025: Japan trade balance & a capex indie.Japanese data is the focus of the calendar. The trade and machine orders info we'll get today are not top-tier data, but its all goes into the mix.

Fed's Bostic warns inflation fight isn't over, urges caution on rates.Fed's Bostic warns inflation fight isn't over, urges caution on rates