The U.S. dollar has recently weakened against the Canadian dollar as markets turn their attention to the Bank of Canada’s interest rate announcement on June 4. Most analysts expect the central bank to hold rates steady, which has helped support the Canadian dollar. For those tracking the CAD’s performance or anticipating monetary policy shifts, this week’s Bank of Canada statement will be a key event to watch.

Tokyo’s core consumer price index (CPI) rose 3.6% year-on-year in May, marking the fastest pace of inflation since early 2023. The figure came in above market expectations, reinforcing speculation that the Bank of Japan may tighten monetary policy sooner than anticipated. With both wages and everyday living costs climbing, Tokyo’s inflation trend is increasingly seen as a key indicator for future moves by Japan’s central bank.

U.S. GDP contracted at an annualized rate of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025—an outcome that, while seemingly weak on the surface, actually exceeded market expectations. The slight economic dip was largely driven by ongoing tariff pressures and tighter government spending. However, core consumer spending and business investment remained surprisingly resilient, signaling that a broader recession may not be imminent. Inflation trends and future policy decisions will continue to play a critical role in shaping the economic outlook.

Amid slowing global demand and increasing supply, international oil prices have become increasingly volatile. Key factors driving this shift include a cooling global economy, the rise of electric vehicles, and escalating geopolitical tensions. For investors in Hong Kong, it’s important to closely monitor these shifts in oil market dynamics, as they can significantly affect energy ETFs and related stocks. Staying flexible and adjusting your portfolio accordingly can help manage future market fluctuations and inflation risks.

A U.S. court has blocked former President Trump’s proposed “Liberation Day” tariff plan, sparking an immediate rebound in the U.S. dollar. The Dollar Index surged back above 100 following the ruling. The court emphasized that the president does not have unilateral authority to set trade policy, introducing fresh uncertainty into the future direction of the U.S. economy. Markets reacted swiftly, with sharp fluctuations in both equities and currency exchange rates.

The euro has fallen for three consecutive days against the US dollar, weighed down by a stronger greenback and growing uncertainty around the European Central Bank’s policy direction. In the short term, the euro remains under pressure. All eyes are now on the upcoming release of the U.S. first-quarter GDP data and the Federal Reserve meeting minutes later today—both of which could trigger significant market volatility. Investors should stay alert to changes in economic indicators and monetary policy signals.

Japan’s 30-Year Government Bond Yields Hit 20-Year High as Policy Shift Jolts Markets

Yields on Japan’s 30-year government bonds have surged to their highest level in two decades, underscoring growing market turbulence sparked by a shift in the Bank of Japan’s monetary policy. The rapid sell-off in long-dated bonds, combined with a wait-and-see approach from traditional institutional buyers, has fueled capital outflows into shorter-term assets and even cryptocurrencies. This flight to more liquid investments reflects investors’ heightened sensitivity to the global inflation outlook and future interest rate moves.

This article takes a closer look at the policy decisions driving volatility in Japan’s bond market and examines the behavior of foreign capital in response. For investors keeping an eye on financial risk in Asia, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for navigating the region’s evolving economic landscape.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently proposed that if Canada wants to join the “Gold Dome” missile defense system, it must either pay a staggering $61 billion or agree to become the 51st state of the United States—a demand that has sparked a diplomatic firestorm. Canadian Prime Minister Carney firmly defended the nation’s sovereignty, rejecting any arrangement that could compromise its independence.

This bold proposal has cast a shadow over U.S.-Canada defense cooperation, exposing the difficult trade-offs between national security and sovereign decision-making in an increasingly tense geopolitical environment. Trump’s demand also raises significant questions about the future of Arctic strategy and the cohesion of Western alliances, adding new complexity to the regional power balance.

As North America navigates evolving defense priorities, this development could reshape the strategic landscape for years to come.

Recently, gold prices in Hong Kong have slipped below $3,300 per ounce, weighed down by a stronger U.S. dollar and a decline in safe-haven demand. Despite short-term pullbacks, major institutions like Goldman Sachs remain optimistic about the long-term outlook, projecting a rebound to the $3,400–$3,600 range per ounce. Investors should closely monitor movements in the U.S. dollar and central bank policies to identify timely opportunities in the gold market.

U.S. durable goods orders fell 6.3% in April, snapping a four-month streak of gains. Despite the decline, the drop was less severe than economists had expected. Core capital goods orders—a key measure of business investment—edged up 0.2%, signaling underlying resilience in the U.S. manufacturing sector. This closely watched economic indicator offers important insights for investors and financial markets.