China Cuts Loan Prime Rate to Boost Economic Growth Amid Stimulus Measures 
Starboard Value Acquires Stake in Kenvue, Pushes for Stock Price Boost 
China Central Bank Launches 800 Billion Yuan Funding to Boost Stock Market Stability 
AT&T and CWA Ratify New Wage Agreements for 23,000 Workers 
Trump Escalates Attacks on Kamala Harris as Both Candidates Court Early Voters 
Cuba Faces Ongoing Blackouts Amidst Grid Collapse and Fuel Crisis 
International Bets on Trump: Polymarket Users Confirmed as Non-Americans 
Sydney Beaches Reopen After Black Pollution Balls Cleared 
Malaysia’s Q3 Economic Growth Slows to 5.3%, Driven by Services Sector 
DJI Sues U.S. Defense Department Over Military Company Designation, Citing Financial Harm 
Southwest Airlines in Settlement Talks with Elliott Management to Avoid Proxy Fight 
What to Expect from the Upcoming Bank of Japan Policy Meeting 
Cuba Faces National Blackout: Infrastructure Crisis and Future Solutions 
Emerging Economies Face Liquidity Crisis Post-Debt Reworks 
Asian Markets Wobble as Chinese Stocks Weaken
Asian stocks fluctuated on Monday, weighed down by Chinese market weakness, even as Bitcoin surged to a three-month high. Investor sentiment was dampened by cautious optimism around China’s economic stimulus, with many awaiting further fiscal support.
China's central bank cut benchmark lending rates, but the move was anticipated by the market. Hong Kong equities slipped 0.6%, and China’s blue-chip index seesawed before ending 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei posted a modest 0.34% gain.
Bitcoin Soars to Three-Month Peak
Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $69,100, its highest level since July, as the world’s leading cryptocurrency saw a 9.6% increase last week. Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted, “Bitcoin is positioned well for continued growth.” Traders are factoring in a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. election, which could boost cryptocurrencies further due to his favorable stance.
Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Uncertainty
Gold prices hit a record $2,727.39 an ounce, extending last week's 2% rise. The precious metal is benefiting from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the close U.S. presidential race. “Gold remains a key Trump trade due to his aggressive economic policies,” said Arun Sai, senior multi-asset strategist at Pictet Asset Management.
Oil Prices Stabilize After Recent Drop
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude futures rising 0.4% to $73.36 a barrel, while U.S. crude gained 0.43% to $69.52 per barrel, recovering slightly from last week’s steep losses.
