Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
BOJ Governor Ueda Highlights Uncertainty Over Future Interest Rate Hikes 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.25% as Inflation Cools and Growth Outlook Strengthens 
Dollar Weakens Ahead of Expected Federal Reserve Rate Cut 
Asian currencies slipped on Friday, pressured by escalating trade tensions from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs and expectations that U.S. interest rates will stay elevated longer. The dollar strengthened, trading near a two‑month high, as markets awaited key U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for July.
The Chinese yuan led losses, with USDCNY edging up 0.1% after weak purchasing managers index readings signaled ongoing contraction in China’s manufacturing sector. Despite easing trade frictions with the U.S., China’s economic outlook remains uncertain, with investors awaiting additional July data for clues. The Politburo’s lack of concrete growth measures also weighed on sentiment.
The Japanese yen held near 151 per dollar, its weakest in four months, despite the Bank of Japan signaling readiness to raise rates if inflation and growth remain firm. Broader Asian currencies faced similar headwinds after Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on multiple major economies, effective within a week.
The Indian rupee hovered near 87.5 per dollar following a 25% U.S. levy, while the South Korean won fell 0.5% as Korea faced a 15% duty and sentiment soured over proposals to raise corporate and investment taxes. The Australian dollar slipped 0.1%, and the Singapore dollar traded flat.
The U.S. dollar index is on track for a 2.4% weekly gain, its best of 2025, supported by Federal Reserve signals that rate cuts are unlikely soon. Fed Chair Jerome Powell highlighted uncertainty over inflationary effects from the new tariffs, reinforcing expectations for policy stability. Upcoming payrolls data is expected to show slower job growth but continued labor market resilience, which could further delay rate cuts.
