North Asian FX stabilization in holiday trading
Stabilization in JPY and KRW.
Group Research - Econs, Chang Wei Liang28 Nov 2025
Article image
Photo credit: Unsplash/Adobe Stock Photo
Read More

With thinner trades due to the US Thanksgiving holiday, FX volatility has eased with the DXY consolidating around mid-99 levels.  The Fed Beige Book released overnight was mixed. Overall consumer spending declined further, though higher-end retail spending remained resilient. While labor demand is weaker for half of the reporting Districts, prices rose moderately with widespread input cost pressures due to tariff-induced increases. The mixed picture supports the Fed’s cautious approach to cutting rates, and a resultant tepid decline of the USD. 

USD/KRW could stabilize at around 1460 with the BOK removing references to a rate-cutting stance it its policy statement, after keeping rates on hold. A neutral stance should lend support to the beleaguered KRW, with weakness driven by resident outflows. BOK Governor Rhee highlighted a worrying trend of youths investing heavily in overseas stocks, and he also urged the National Pension Service to adopt more “strategic ambiguity” in its FX hedging approach, given that its FX actions have significant macro impact.

USD/JPY should hold steady around 156, with markets seeing Takaichi’s supplementary budget as expansionary but still within expectations. A frostier relationship with Beijing of late may cool Chinese tourist inflows into Japan, but this should not impact the JPY significantly. Meanwhile, Tokyo CPI inflation in November came in at 2.7%, and should give confidence to the BOJ’s stance of gradual rate hikes.

Chang Wei Liang

FX & Credit Strategist
[email protected]




Quote of the Day
“I don't mind how much my Ministers talk, so long as they do what I say.”
     Margaret Thatcher

November 28 in history
Margaret Thatcher resigned as leader of the Conservative Party and British Prime Minister in 1990.







Subscribe here to receive our economics & macro strategy materials.
To unsubscribe, please click here.

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates)

GENERAL DISCLOSURE/ DISCLAIMER (For Macroeconomics, Currencies, Interest Rates & Digital Assets)

The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation.  Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies.  The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation.  The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation.

[#for Distribution in Singapore] This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.

DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability.  11th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR.

Virtual currencies are highly speculative digital "virtual commodities", and are not currencies. It is not a financial product approved by the Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, and the safeguards of the existing investor protection regime does not apply.  The prices of virtual currencies may fluctuate greatly, and the investment risk is high. Before engaging in such transactions, the investor should carefully assess the risks, and seek its own independent advice.