Asian stocks dip, but China stands out
Asian stock markets slipped on Friday—Japan and South Korea took a hit, while Australia barely nudged upward.
The mood was cautious after the US Thanksgiving break, with investors watching the yen and speculating about potential Bank of Japan rate hikes.
Meanwhile, Chinese stocks grabbed some positive buzz thanks to JPMorgan's upgrade, even though risks are still hanging around.
What else is moving the markets?
Investors are hoping for US interest rate cuts as global stocks show signs of recovery, with some expecting several cuts by 2026.
The yen's stability is tied to steady inflation in Tokyo, which could push Japan toward a rate hike.
Oil prices keep sliding month after month, and US Treasury yields ticked up just a bit.
On the flip side, there's growing worry about China Vanke—a big real estate player—facing loan rejections and default fears, adding another layer of caution to the mix.