investingLive Asia-Pacific FX news wrap: Silver clawed back for a gain

The financial markets in the Asia-Pacific region are subdued ahead of 2026, with many professional participants in holiday mode. Major FX pairs are confined to narrow ranges, regional equities are mixed, and Japanese government bond yields have slightly eased. Meanwhile, silver is regaining some ground following a recent sharp correction. Geopolitical factors have been the main source of direction, but overall market reactions have been muted. China continues to conduct large-scale exercises around Taiwan, indicating a show of military strength without significant market impact. In the Middle East, risks continue to support energy markets as U.S. President Trump warns of potential strikes against Iran. Despite rising crude oil inventories reported last week, geopolitical concerns overshadow these bearish indicators, keeping crude prices supported. Overall, thin liquidity and year-end positioning have maintained a range-bound market, with geopolitical issues shaping sentiment more than fundamentals at this time.