Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Asian shares climbed Monday, fueled by strong demand for tech giants like Nvidia, Alphabet, and Amazon, pushing S&P 500 futures to a fresh all-time high. Nasdaq futures rose 0.3%, while S&P 500 e-minis added 0.2%. Japan’s Nikkei jumped 1%, South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.5%, and MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index outside Japan edged up 0.1%.
The bullish sentiment came despite caution over U.S. fiscal policy. Investors are watching progress on President Trump’s massive tax-and-spending bill, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates could add $3.3 trillion to U.S. debt. Meanwhile, Friday’s holiday brings U.S. non-farm payrolls data forward, with economists forecasting a modest 110,000 job gain and a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%.
Weaker labor data could boost odds of a July rate cut from the Federal Reserve. JPMorgan’s Michael Feroli noted that rising continuing claims and falling consumer confidence point to softening job conditions. A higher unemployment print could shift futures to price in deeper cuts beyond the currently expected 63 basis points for 2025.
U.S. Treasury yields held steady at 3.27% as easing expectations supported bonds despite concerns over ballooning deficits. However, the dollar weakened on expectations of slower growth and rate cuts. The euro hovered at $1.1731, sterling at $1.3719, and the yen strengthened to 144.48 per dollar. The U.S. dollar index slipped to 97.163, with Capital Economics warning further declines may trigger a broader selloff.
Gold prices fell to $3,266/oz as risk appetite returned, while oil extended its losses. Brent crude dropped to $67.22 and WTI to $64.84 amid concerns over rising OPEC+ supply and last week’s steep 12% drop.
