US Pre Market Open: Target one hit on AUD/CAD, taking partial profit on USD/CAD, game theory discussion

USD/JPY sees a fresh leg higher and regains the 156.00 level in Friday's Asian trading. The Japanese Yen loses further ground, digesting the Bank of Japan's (BoJ) expected 25 bps rate hike to 0.75%. Traders now look to Governor Ueda's press conference for fresh directives. 

AUD/USD steadies above 0.6600 in the Asian session on Friday, following the previous day's two-way price swings and a positive close. Against the backdrop of the RBA's hawkish stance, a positive risk tone is seen acting as a tailwind for the Aussie. The US Dollar looks to stabilize the softer US CPI-led slide, capping the pair's upside. 

Gold price keeps pushing lower below $4,350 in Asian trading hours on Friday. The precious metal stays in the red due to some profit-taking and weak long liquidation from shorter-term futures traders. 

Pump.fun, Pudgy Penguins, and Hyperliquid lose ground in an extended bearish streak, recording double-digit losses this week. The surprise drop in the November US Consumer Price Index to 2.7%, beating expectations of 3.1%, fueled a rally in the stock market.

The Bank of England has cut rates to 3.75%, but the decision was more hawkish than expected, leaving market rates higher and sterling slightly stronger. It's a close call whether the Bank cuts again in February or March.

Here is what you need to know on Friday, December 19: