<h1>Asian markets mixed as Fed December rate cut bets rise, investors eye US inflation data and tech rally</h1> Asian markets traded mixed following a strong U.S. equities rally driven by expectations of a December interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Key indices in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Australia showed modest, divergent movements, while U.S. benchmarks logged significant gains, particularly in technology and AI-related stocks. Investors are focused on upcoming U.S. wholesale inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve's rate decision amid ongoing concerns about inflation remaining above the 2 per cent target. Market volatility persists following policy uncertainty and prior tariff shocks under a former U.S. president. Oil, major currencies, and Bitcoin saw minor declines as broader financial conditions adjusted to shifting rate-cut expectations.