Asia Markets Dip Amid Low Volumes As Treasury Yields Rise On Hawkish Fed

Asia markets eased on Thursday in low-volume trading as the year-end approaches. The U.S. dollar and Treasury yields rose, driven by the Federal Reserve's hawkish tone and expectations for fewer rate cuts next year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's comments have prompted traders to price in 35 basis points of easing for 2025, lifting the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield, while the two-year yield stabilized. The dollar climbed to a two-year high against major currencies, pressuring commodities. US stocks, supported by AI-driven enthusiasm, have propelled world markets to a second year of gains, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific index up 1.6% for the week.