Japanese Shares Fall on BOJ Rate Hike Fears

European equity markets were poised to open slightly higher on Friday as investors looked ahead to key US economic data before next week’s Federal Reserve policy decision.

The US central bank is expected to deliver another 25 basis point rate cut next week, with 2–3 more reductions anticipated next year.

In Europe, markets focused on Ukraine peace talks and a series of upcoming central bank meetings, including the Swiss National Bank next week, followed by the European Central Bank, Bank of England, and Sweden’s Riksbank the week after.

In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures edged up 0.2%, while Stoxx 600 futures were flat.

   Daxin Materials Corp. - Taiwan 
   Figures in New Taiwan dollars. 
                                     2025               2024 
Revenue                    NT$370,260,000     NT$340,422,000 
Jan-Nov Revenue          NT$4,217,496,000   NT$3,743,388,000 
 
Source: Taiwan Stock Exchange This content was automatically published based on data and/or text from the original source. For feedback, write to singaporeeditors@dowjones.com. 
 
 

   Daxin Materials Corp. - Taiwan 
   Figures in New Taiwan dollars. 
                                     2025               2024 
Revenue                    NT$370,260,000     NT$340,422,000 
Jan-Nov Revenue          NT$4,217,496,000   NT$3,743,388,000 
 
Source: Taiwan Stock Exchange This content was automatically published based on data and/or text from the original source. For feedback, write to singaporeeditors@dowjones.com. 
 
 

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 Index fell 630 points or 1.23 percent on Friday.

Leading the losses are Trend Micro (-8.90%), Bridgestone (-4.51%) and GS Yuasa (-4.16%).

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 Index fell 630 points or 1.23 percent on Friday.

Leading the losses are Trend Micro (-8.90%), Bridgestone (-4.51%) and GS Yuasa (-4.16%).

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks are seen opening a tad higher on Friday as focus shifts to the U.S. economic calendar.

September's delayed consumer spending and incomes data as well as the personal consumption expenditures index, the Fed's primary inflation gauge, will be in the spotlight later today, heading into next week's FOMC meeting.

The PCE index is likely to show price pressures under control, keeping the Fed on track to deliver a 25-basis point interest-rate cut next week in its last meeting of the year.

Also, the University of Michigan will release its consumer survey for December.

The November jobs report, originally due Dec. 5, will be published on Dec. 16 as a result of the record-long government shutdown. The report will also include October payrolls figures.

Asian markets were mixed in cautious trade, with Japan's Nikkei falling more than 1 percent amid BOJ rate-hike bets.

Gold was a tad higher above $4,200 per ounce and the dollar index was set for a second weekly decline while oil prices were poised for a second consecutive weekly gain.

Overnight, U.S. stocks ended narrowly mixed as investors braced for next week's interest-rate decision from the Federal Reserve.

Treasury yields moved higher after data showed first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly fell to a three-year low in the week ended November 29.

Consulting firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas said that U.S. job cuts bumped past the 1 million threshold for 2025 in November as corporate restructuring, artificial intelligence and tariffs helped pare job rolls.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite edged up by 0.2 percent and the S&P 500 closed 0.1 percent higher to extend gains for a third day while the narrower Dow finished marginally lower.

European stocks closed higher on Thursday, with Ukraine peace talks and upcoming central bank meetings in focus.

The pan European Stoxx 600 gained half a percent, supported by a rebound for major banks and automakers.

The German DAX climbed 0.8 percent, France's CAC 40 rose 0.4 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 added 0.2 percent.

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